A qualitative examination of gender identity in the never married older woman.

Abstract

The present study found the term ‘never married older woman’ encompasses women from a variety of life-courses. Gender identity was reported as a personalised and fluid concept, a notion which extended to the perspective of other people, suggesting multiple identities, and the importance of context. Through Grounded Theory analysis themes emerged where ‘Individual Differences in Gender Identity’ were shaped early-on by ‘Societal Pressures’; and were affected by present-day ‘Challenges to Womanhood’. Never married status seemingly affects one’s identity as a woman. Conclusions are discussed with regard to implications for women’s mental health and social wellbeing, and for possible future research.

Date of Award	19 Jul 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Liverpool
Supervisor	Laura K. Soulsby (Supervisor)