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ETD Abstract Container

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The Meaning of Work: Middle-Aged Women Reentering Paid Labor

Sandker, Katherine E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1082731797

Abstract Details

2004, Master of Gerontological Studies, Miami University, Gerontology.
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the meaning of work to middle-aged women reentering paid labor. I conducted in-depth structured interviews with five women aged 44-52 who discussed their thoughts and feelings about their transition into paid labor. The roles the women held and how the roles influenced the paths of their lives can best be understood through a combination of the following theoretical frameworks: the social construction of gender, role theory, feminist life span perspective, and the life course perspective. Three major themes emerged from the women’s narratives. These themes had to do with reasons for returning to work outside of the home; expectations of and for themselves, their families, and the job; and sources of job satisfaction. Particularly women with children gave unambiguous priority to their duties as homemakers and mothers. The women constructed their work trajectory to be parallel and secondary to their role as mother. The one woman who had no children still has primary responsibility for the household, but feels less constrained and was willing to reprioritize her obligations. These findings raise questions about the degree to which life course trajectories are a cohort effect.
Lisa Groger (Advisor)
46 p.
Gerontology
middle-aged women; worforce particpation; paid labor; family/work-life balance; role; life course trajectories; qualitative research

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sandker, K. E. (2004). The Meaning of Work: Middle-Aged Women Reentering Paid Labor [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1082731797

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sandker, Katherine. The Meaning of Work: Middle-Aged Women Reentering Paid Labor. 2004. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1082731797.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sandker, Katherine. "The Meaning of Work: Middle-Aged Women Reentering Paid Labor." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1082731797

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1082731797
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© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.