Abstract
Purpose of the Study: We explored how generativity and well-being merged in a group of childless older women: African and Hispanic Roman Catholic Religious Sisters, linking two minority identity characteristics. Design and Methods: We qualitatively interviewed 8 Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP), by providing a framework for examining the range of the women's generativity - cultural spheres in which generativity is rooted and outlets for generativity. Results: Early negative experiences, such as fleeing despotism in Haiti and Cuba and racism within the Catholic Church, occurred alongside positive experiences - families who stressed education, and Caucasian Religious who taught children of color. This became a foundation for the Sister's generative commitment. Implications: Findings highlight that research gains from a phenomenological understanding of how religious faith promotes generative cognitions and emotions. Findings also reveal that the experiences of a subculture in society - African-American elderly women religious - add to theories and definitions of generativity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 559-568 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Gerontologist |
Volume | 56 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 19 2016 |
Keywords
- Generativity
- Qualitative research
- Religious Sisters of color
- Subcultures
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gerontology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology