Date of Award
8-1995
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Robert Wait
Second Advisor
Stanley Robin
Third Advisor
Subhash Sonnad
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
This thesis draws on structuralist and symbolic interactionist versions of role theory to identify and explain the constraining and creative aspects of the role of clergy wife. Analysis was based on in-depth interviews with twenty women who are married to Protestant ministers. Constraining expectations were identified, many at high levels of abstraction. In order to ground abstract expectations in particular situations, a process of negotiated role-making is required. Steps in the role-making process are described and three orientations (embracement, alienation, and transcendence) that women take are described as adaptations to the demands of role-making. While role-making allows individual freedom in the performance of a role, changes introduced may become institutionalized and serve to constrain future role performance.
Recommended Citation
Stravers, Cynthia Ann, "Content, Constraint, and Creation: Making the Role of Clergy Wife" (1995). Masters Theses. 3734.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3734