The constant jugglers – Single mothers amidst patriarchy and university

Christopher B Goldsmith, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

This case study juxtaposes feminist literature with an examination of single mothers pursuing an undergraduate degree in teacher education. The Patriarchy and the English language emerged as definers of cultural norms that are oppressive to outsiders. Three single mothers living on the U.S.-Mexico border were interviewed. Their stories were compared to the literature of the Patriarchy. The status quo was examined in its roles as lawmaker and as rights taker. Patriarchy and the English language emerged as definers of cultural norms that are impacting and controlling the choices of these women. Themes that emerged from the data are dependence vs. independence, the community of peers, and how the women negotiated their own identities and higher education.

Subject Area

Womens studies|Teacher education|Higher education

Recommended Citation

Goldsmith, Christopher B, "The constant jugglers – Single mothers amidst patriarchy and university" (2009). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1468296.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1468296

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