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A CONSCIOUS EVOLUTION: OLDER WOMEN EMBRACING THE DIVINE FEMININE

Manning, Lydia K.

Abstract Details

2004, Master of Gerontological Studies, Miami University, Gerontology.
In this research I explore how a specific spiritual orientation of select women shapes the social meaning and process of their aging. The central question of this research revolves around how older women who identify as Pagan experience growing older, and how that spiritual identity and practice characterizes their understanding of aging. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and explore the meaning of life and aging for women identifying as Pagan. Three major themes within the data demonstrate the interconnectedness between acceptance of self through aging, empowerment through spirituality, and nature as a source of the sacred. These women were able to embed their experiences of aging within a unique and specific cultural framework: a spiritual and foundational framework cultivating their authenticity, spiritual strength, and deep connection with nature. This research provides a unique and important point on the continuum of study within spirituality, religion, feminism, and aging. Their lived experiences provide gerontology and women’s studies with a refreshing example of the no longer invisible older woman. The women in this study provide a valuable model for how to organically live the feminist experience, and how to consciously evolve through spiritual empowerment, a living and changing that welcomes, celebrates, and embraces aging.
Lisa Groger (Advisor)
46 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Manning, L. K. (2004). A CONSCIOUS EVOLUTION: OLDER WOMEN EMBRACING THE DIVINE FEMININE [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1091025339

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Manning, Lydia. A CONSCIOUS EVOLUTION: OLDER WOMEN EMBRACING THE DIVINE FEMININE. 2004. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1091025339.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Manning, Lydia. "A CONSCIOUS EVOLUTION: OLDER WOMEN EMBRACING THE DIVINE FEMININE." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1091025339

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)