Korean Journal of Adult Nursing (성인간호학회지)

Korean Society of Adult Nursing (한국성인간호학회)
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A Typology: Older Women and Gender Role Identity

  • Kim, Myung-Ae (College of Nursing, Keimyung University) ;
  • Park, Euna (Department of Nursing, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Ko, Sung-Hee (College of Nursing, Chonbuk National University)
  • Received : 2012.11.05
  • Accepted : 2013.06.22
  • Published : 2013.06.30
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to categorize and to understand the structure of subjectivity in the gender role identity of older female adults. The perception of gender role identity is subjective and varies according to the uniqueness of individual experiences and the value of social culture. Methods: Q-methodology, a technique for extracting subjective opinions was used. In 2010, forty participants completed the Q-sort activity, rating each statement relative to the others. The Q sample has two categories, representing masculinity and femininity, and each category has 20 statements, resulting in 40 adjectives. Results: Using the Q factor analysis, three classifications were identified: 'caring-affectionate type,', 'assertive-confident type,' and 'sensitive-affectionate type.' Despite the differences among the three types in this research, elderly females are likely to have the understanding and patience to comfort others and care for the children. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed new dimensional types of gender role identity and raise the issue of why we need to develop methods for the new dimensional types. Based on the results, further research is needed to compare the findings with those of older males or with women of different age groups.

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