The identity development of urban minority boys in single mother households
Abstract
Informed by existing literature that indicates direct and indirect linkages between gender-role and career identity development and father absence, this dissertation study sought to explore the lived experiences of urban minority boys living within single mother households. Also, the constructs of vocational hope and possible career selves were examined as possible avenues by which urban minority boys' career exploration experiences might be better understood. A phenomenological process of inquiry, coding, and analysis was utilized as a means to uncover the deep, rich, and lived developmental experiences of 13 boy participants of urban minority background. Data analysis generated 7 primary themes: (a) impact of maternal relationship, (b) inclusive gender identity development, (c) resilience, (d) imaginary father, (e) life stories and future, (f) vocational agency and career aspirations, and (g) vocational pathways and future success; 11 secondary themes also emerged. From these themes, findings were related to current research and possible limitations of the study were discussed. Lastly, implications for practice and recommendations for future research were presented.
Subject Area
African American Studies|Counseling Psychology|Individual & family studies
Recommended Citation
Vargas, Angela Patricia, "The identity development of urban minority boys in single mother households" (2014). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3628037.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3628037
