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Older Women and Identity Maintenance in Later Life

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Hazel Mac Rae
Hazel Mac Rae
Affiliation:
Mount Saint Vincent University
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Abstract

This research examines the nature and basis of self-identity in later life and the way in which it is maintained. In contrast to an identity crisis view, which emphasizes role as the link between individual and society and roles as the primary components of identity, this study assumes self to be the important connecting link and self-identity is conceptualized as complex and multi-dimensional. Based on the underlying assumption that identity emerges and is sustained through social interaction, the research focuses on older women's social network involvements. Data obtained through participant observation and 142 personal interviews with elderly women reveal that most of the women studied here do not view themselves as' elderly' or “old”. Age identity is found to be more relevant to some interactions than others. Moreover, the majority have managed to retain a positive identity which is deeply embedded within their informal role involvements and social network ties.

Résumé

Cette recherche explore la nature et les principes à la base de l'identité personnelle chez la personne d'âge mûr et comment elle peut être préservée. L'étude perçoit la personne comme étant complexe et multidimensionnelle; cette conception diffère totalement de la notion de crise d'identité qui définit le rôle comme étant le maillon reliant la personne à la société et les rôles comme étant les piliers de l'identité. En se basant sur la notion sous-jacente que l'identité se développe et se maintient grâce aux contacts sociaux, l'auteur se concentre sur les activités sociales qui occupent les femmes âgées. Les données ont été recueillies à partir de 142 entrevues personnelles et commentaires émis par les participants. Les résultats indiquent que la majorité des femmes participant à cette étude ne se sentent pas “vieilles” ou “âgées”. L'identité reliée à l'âge semble être plus conforme à certaines circonstances qu'à d'autres. De plus, en grande partie, ces femmes ont réussi à conserver une identité positive solidement ancrée dans leurs activités quotidiennes et dans les réseaux sociaux qu'elles se sont tissés.

Keywords

Older WomenSelf-IdentityIdentity MaintenanceSelf-ConceptionSocial Network
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 9 , Issue 3 , Autumn/automne 1990 , pp. 248 - 267
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1990

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