Old women face a unique set of obstacles in their quest for empowerment. In this study the concept of empowerment is explored by politicizing issues of personal safety. The most significant factors that impede an old woman's sense of safety and control include oppression, primarily ageism and sexism, along with violence and fear. For this study, thirty-nine women over sixty were self-selected for semi-structured interviews as a result of their participation in a personal safety workshop. Interviewees ranged in age from sixty to eight-three, were of diverse cultural backgrounds, and most resided in a metropolitan area. An emancipatory methodology was used as a means to empower participants throughout the research process. The study is both exploratory and interpretive, with the subjective voice of the researcher present throughout the project. Acts of resistance and survival were reflected in the daily lived experiences of the interviewees, validating the premise that old women face obstacles in their quest for empowerment. / Graduation date: 1997

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1982. / Vita. Bibliography: leaves [475]-494.

Thesis (doctoral)--Albert-Ludwigs-Universität zu Freiburg i. Br. / Pref. dated 1972. Includes bibliographical references (p. 383-397).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--UCLA, 2008. / Vita. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 290-299).

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2004. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Albert-Ludwigs-Universität zu Freiburg i. Br. / Pref. dated 1972. Includes bibliographical references (p. 383-397).

Thesis (Ph. D. in Sociology)--Vanderbilt University, May 2006. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / English Studies / Master / Master of Arts

This thesis explores the changing attitudes toward the role of the woman as depicted by women playwrights. A brief history of English and American female dramatists from the last three centuries is given. Their views of women in the context of the popular social views are discussed.The second chapter discusses the development of the script for the production "From Madonna to Militant," which entailed a series of play scenes reflecting the changing trends. The production was presented in Ball State University's Studio Theatre on February 5-8, 1975.The third chapter presents the procedures that were involved in mounting the production and the director's personal evaluation of its outcome.The appendices contain the production book and all the necessary designs to produce "From Madonna to Militant." Publicity and photographs of the production are also included.