Women construct self-esteem in their own terms: A feminist qualitative study

Author(s): DeFrancisco, V.

Journal/Book: Fem Psychol. 1998; 8: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Sage Publications Inc. 467-489.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of self-esteem fr om adult women's perspectives. Based on qualitative interviews with 59 women, we found similar denotative definitions of self-esteem, but differing connotative views and experiences. The women identified three overall characteristics associated with high self-esteem (i.e. 'voice', 'self-perspective' and 'concern for others'), viewing them as interconnected rather than isolated variables. We found self-esteem to be a reflexive, context-specific process, which is changeable over the lifespan. The women's constructions of self-esteem as a complex phenomenon are in contrast to traditional androcentric and essentialist self-esteem scales in common usage. Their views of self-esteem were socially constructed in dialogue with their culture, other persons and themselves. Implications of taking such a social constructivist approach to studying self-esteem are discussed.

Note: Article ChathamCarpenter A, Univ No Iowa, Dept Commun Studies, Cedar Falls,IA 50614 USA

Keyword(s): GENDER; SEX

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