EMPOWERING MATURE WOMEN STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Authors

  • Mary O'Brien Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Elizabeth Whitmore Dalhousie University

Abstract

In order to accommodate the large numbers of older women who are entering universities, institutions of higher education need to examine assumptions about how adults - particularly women students - learn. The distinctive life tasks of women reflect a particular need for self-fulfillment and gaining control over their lives. Inherent in the notion of control is empowerment. This study examines the concept of empowerment in the context of adult learning. A case study is used as an educational model which met the empowerment needs of a group of older women students. RÉSUMÉ Pour accueillir les nombreuses femmes d'un certain âge qui entrent à l'université, les établissements d'enseignement supérieur doivent analyser les hypothèses qui circulent sur le processus d'apprentissage des adultes, surtout des femmes. L'autonomie fonctionnelle distinctive des femmes traduit chez elles le besoin de s'épanouir et de prendre leur vie en main. Le concept de pouvoir est inhérent à la notion de contrôle. Cette étude examine le concept de pouvoir dans le cadre de l'éducation permanente. Une étude de cas sert de modèle éducatif répondant aux besoins de pouvoir d'un groupe d'étudiantes d'un certain âge.

Author Biographies

Mary O'Brien, Mount Saint Vincent University

Mary 0'Brien is an assistant professor in the Department of Gerontology at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has done research on older women and is interested in issues related to the older adult as learner. Mary O'Brien est professeur adjoint au département de gérontologie de l'Université Mount Saint Vincent à Halifax (Nouvelle-Écosse). Elle a réalisé des recherches sur les femmes âgées et s'intéresse aux questions qui ont trait au processus d'apprentissage chez les gens âgés.

Elizabeth Whitmore, Dalhousie University

Elizabeth Whitmore is an assistant professor at the Maritime School of Social Work, Dalhousie University. She is particularly interested in participatory approaches to research and evaluation and how the concept of empowerment can be applied in various settings, including the classroom. Elizabeth Whitmore est professeur adjoint à la Maritime School of Social Work de l'Université Dalhousie. Elle s'intéresse tout particulièrement aux méthodes participatives de recherche et d'évaluation et à la façon dont le concept de pouvoir s'applique à différents milieux, notamment à la salle de classe.

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Published

1989-09-01

How to Cite

O’Brien, M., & Whitmore, E. (1989). EMPOWERING MATURE WOMEN STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 24(003). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/7882

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 003 (1989)

Section

Articles

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