Women and Identity: Longitudinal changes following college

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 1: Student Learning and Development in College and Beyond

Abstract

Abstract: This longitudinal qualitative study examines how 26 women’s identities develop over twenty years following college. While Josselson’s (1998) longitudinal work is seminal, few scholars have focused on women’s identity development since then. Given the changes in society since her work began, an exploration into understanding how women understand their adult identities is needed. College degrees facilitate movement into professional positions; professional identities and their identities as mothers are important to participants. Workplace challenges highlight gender and parental identities. While gender is important to their identities, it seems assumed and is not necessarily named by participants. Racial identity is also rarely discussed. Intersectionality supplements Josselson’s schema in understanding identity development and the power dynamics associated with gender and racial identities.

Authors

• MaryBeth Walpole, Rowan University

• Madeline P. Boehning, Rowan University