- Summary
- The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the process by which a septagenarian female finds expression in the struggle for authentic connection through testifying as a Holocaust victim and as a leader. One septagenarian female currently president of her temple and participating in leadership arenas in the community was selected for the single case analysis. Data collection for the study consisted of participant-observation (social, academic, temple events), documents (letters, awards, honors), individual interviews (subject, colleagues, peers), narrative (direct observation, personal journals), direct observation (home, community events, temple activities), and visual anthropology (video tape, photographs). In linking testifying as a Holocaust victim and leadership skills to identify the mutually required traits of confidence, courage, creativity, and risk-taking, the study sought to identify empowering pathways out of the underground sanctuary of silence, a septagenarian female's passage out of middle-age. Developmental factors and critical events identified as contributing to the evolution of the septagenarian female subject as Holocaust victim testifier and leader included a sense of trust and physical comfort and minimal fear and apprehension about the future from her family, acquiring of academic skills, achieving competence, and seeking her identity. Critical events identified that contributed to the evolution of the subject included emigration to the United States as a result of the Holocaust and the subject's subsequent divorce. Testifying about events during the Holocaust appeared to effect the subject's self-expression in the areas of reflection, elaboration, and inspiration. Participating in leadership activities in the community appeared to effect the subject's purpose, pride, and perspective. The study found that life experience can be enriched, talent applauded. creativity nourished, and courage prized when the septagenarian female subject, actively and assertively participates in the drama of her journey to later adulthood.
- Format
- Book
- Author/Creator
- Caron, Janice J.
- Published
- 1999
- Notes
-
Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Sarasota, 1999.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-97).
Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich. : UMI Dissertation Services, 2000. 22 cm.
Dissertations and Theses
