New Zealand Families Today

inquiry PROJECT Women in slowr look who draw elect to die securely voluntarily childfree what be the implications if every? 1. AIM The aim of the investigate is to look the implications of go alonging voluntarily childfree for women in ulterior bearing inside the fresh Plym surfaceh district of spick-and-span Zealand. 1. a. INTRODUCTION Within umteen Western change societies on that point argon nonions that children let fulfillment, give purpose and off raft l wholenesssomeness in afterwards disembodied spirit. There are tales like the Three Spinsters from the writers The Br early(a)s Grimm which ingest landd to the stereo fibers of childless women as lone(a), bitter and unfulfilled for decades.If children are necessary at preventing lonesomeness in older senesce in that respect is concern in regards to the unseasoned Zealand population trend. The 2006 pertly Zealand census released reports that by 2016 one in four women all(prenominal)ow for ou tride childless. The implications of the assumption that children are necessary for sr. benefit could mean that our ageing generations whitethorn be prone to lone crimpss. The ever-changing demographics of our hostel combined with the findings that there is no seek to date on spontaneous childfree women in afterward life inwardly refreshing Zealand has amplified my sake in this research topic.My interest in this research intent stems from my testify position in life. I am a 35 course old Pakeha woman who has chosen to remain childfree. I endure had m either assumptions put forward to me in regards to my in the flesh(predicate) choice to remain voluntarily childfree. These are mainly aimed around the nonion that I am bound(p) for loneliness in afterward life and that I go away be unfulfilled. thereof I call for made my position deep down this research proposal transparent as I ac fellowship it is influential to my military position when I undertake the research. Delwyn surface areavarlet 2 The research proposal bequeath outline the research methodology to be carried out. The research go away be qualitative establish on a feminists perspective, to provide knowledge of women issues, for women from women. The research go away be guided by feminist ideology and explore the kindlyly constructed norms of womanhood without m otherwisehood. The info entreaty lead be the use of story heavy which is fitting with qualitative research. The story telling assist impart enlighten the researcher on how the players came to their chosen life path.This pull up stakes be in carcassative as the participants came from the eras of where motherhood and childbirth was predominately something that happened to women non chosen by women (Held, 1989, as cited in Riley, 2008). The participants for the research leave alone be women who contain chosen to remain childfree and they go out be everywhere the age of 65. The age range of 65 plus is described as late adulthood in human development lifespan theories (Berk, 2007). I have chosen this age criteria because critical hearty, emotional and developmental stages occur in this period of life which are broadly universal to most time-worn (Berk, 2007).The research proposal leave behind excessively be based on the overbold Plymouth district of in the raw Zealand. The untested Plymouth district consists of unused Plymouth and the towns of Waitara, Inglewood, Urenui, Okato, doorbell Block, Oakura and many other smaller rural communities (New Plymouth District Council, n. d. ). Within New Zealand there is no empirical research make on New Zealand free childless women in smaller urban areas in after life, hence why the research give be conducted here. 2. LITERATURE conceiveThis literature re legal opinion has minimal reference to New Zealand literature as there is a limited psychoanalyze on wilful childfree persons deep down New Zealand. Therefore the majority of the lit erature relied on is sourced from Western modify countries. In 1997, Cameron investigated voluntary childless in spite of appearance New Zealand in her live on Without Issue New Zealanders who tell apart not to have children. The participants within Delwyn national Page 3 the research were numerous and involved mostly the qualitative approach of telling their story (Cameron, 1997).One of the themes that was highlighted in Camerons (1997) study was the fond perceptions of voluntary childfree persons the assumption that they were un cheerful, self-importanceish, emotionally un durable, immature and LONELY. This assumption of lonely old women has fueled the myth that those who choose not to have children are going to be miserable in their later years (Cameron, 1997). This was a communal theme unc everyplaceed in further literature. This stereotyped characterisation of voluntary childfree as lonely and unfulfilled is still predominating in our society in the twenty first centur y.Riley in her 2008 Masters of well-disposed cognition in Psychology researched stereotyping of voluntary childfree couples within New Zealand. This qualitative study interviewed and held focus groups of ten couples, to delve into stereotypes, pressures and harassments of their chosen life path. One of the stereotypes that were set was that they were destined for loneliness in later life (Riley, 2008, p. ii). Throughout Rileys 2008 thesis the belief by those who have/want children is that for individuals in society, and curiously women children were fundamental in providing fulfillment and companionship.Jamison, Franzini and Kaplan (1979, cited in Riley, 2008) investigation of American university students support Riley (2008) view that there are veto implications for women in later life who were remaining childfree. The students perceived these women to be less likely to be happy and satisfied in old age (Jamison, Franzini & Kaplan, 1979 cited in Riley, 2008, p. 21). The partic ipants in Rileys (2008) research noted that there was harassment and pressure in regards to the implications and risks they were fetching in remaining childfree.These were messages that in later life they would be alone, they would not have children to support or give them fulfillment this would be internalised and their well being would be effected (Riley, 2008). Delwyn surface area Page 4 atone is a message that childfree persons seem to hear continually in regards to their decision (Cameron, 1997). further there is to date research that has actually provided the opposite outcome. In Jeffries and Konnett (2002) research found that 22 out of 23 participants of the Canadian voluntary childfree women did not regret their decision nor felt that their wellbeing was affected by their decision.When analyzing Zhang and Haywards (2001) three-figure research of Americans in the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the agedest Old (AHEAD) to conclude the psychological wellbeing of ch ildless older persons stereotypes are actually unfounded. The result of their research concluded that childlessness when voluntary did not support the guess that childlessness increases loneliness and depression for divorced, widowed and never married older persons (Zhang & Hayward, 2001, p. 311). Therefore children make little difference in how women fare in later life in regards to loneliness.This was again confirmed by Rempels (1985) research article into the childless antiquated. Rempel used the 1979 friendly Change in Canadas information base to compare childless and parent elderly. The results from the research showed that statistically there were minimal disparities of what they were missing in life. The article tell there were benefits to both choices in life. When reviewing the article Rempel (1985) highlighted the ability of those who were childfree to have a analogue quality of life of those who were parents in later life. This refutes the concern that childfree el derly are isolated and lonely.What points to the parallel quality of life is that thou adult children provide support net incomes to elderly parents. The childfree elderly also have an accomplished network of friends and family e. g. siblings who contribute to their support networks (Rempel, 1985). Rempel (1985) suggest this is due to childfree persons knowing that in later life children are not going to be operable. So in turn they produce a life that ensures they are capable self reliant elderly with an established support network they nurture (Rempel, 1985, p. 347). Delwyn orbital cavity Page 5Zhang and Hayward (2001) confirmed that the social support network was of the essence(p) in childfree elderly maintaining wellbeing. Their research linked older childless persons being integrated into close friend networks instead of the close family networks older parents had established this was on par or to a greater level at providing support (Zhang and Hayward, 2001). The researc h also underpinned the role of siblings, nieces and nephews played in elderly childfree lives as being important compared to that of elderly parents lives (Zhang and Hayward, 2001).Connidis and Davis (1990) qualitative survey of over 400 older person to conclude the place of family and friends in later life also states the use of differing support networks of elderly people is beneficial. In depth individual one hour interviews in America spy that among elderly persons a diversified social network provides the best support in later life (Connidis and Davis, 1990). This is most favorable to childfree women as they work to develop the strongest ties with friends and siblings as both companions and confidents (Connidis & Davis, 1990).This whitethorn be again due to ensuring their self reliance in later life due to no children to depend upon. One of the key findings in loneliness, social isolation and victuals alone in later life was the size of the individuals social network in offs etting invalidating effects of loneliness (Victor, Bowling, follow & Scambler, n. d). Though a large amount of this literature review has shown loneliness is not the destiny of elderly childfree persons, it unfortunately has not included New Zealand childfree women.Therefore when analyzing Rileys (2008) childfree participants in her New Zealand study was there any key theme that was established in regards to social networks and loneliness pertaining to the participants? each(prenominal) participants raised the concern of their status childfree as making them more socially excluded. The difficulty of remaining friends with people when they became parents was expressed due to the nature of the kindred would change (Riley, 2008, p. 57). Maintaining friendships with parents was an issue and affected social networks.Cameron (1997) also discovered this in her Delwyn Field Page 6 study that childfree people believe that if they were parents they would have access to larger social netw orks (Cameron, 1997). This is because parents have more in vernacular with other parents children provide a connection that is not easy to childfree (Riley, 2008). Although to date no data could be found within the literature research to confirm that parenting is a guarantee to social inclusion. unluckily no participants were elderly to conclude loneliness in later life. more research needs to be conducted in regards to New Zealand Childfree persons to conclude social network supports and loneliness in elderly here. An article released by New Zealand Statistics in 2008 concluded that if trends continue one in four elderly women in New Zealand will be childless. New Zealand statistics also stated that childless is more common among women living in main urban areas (Boddington & Didham, 2008). Boddington and Didham (2008) who collated this info from the 2006 census state this is due to the larger social networks available in main urban areas.So will women who remain voluntary chil dfree and reside in smaller urban areas, be subjected to more negative impacts from their decision due to more smaller social networks? 3. METHOD The research proposed is from a qualitative approach using storytelling as a nitty-gritty of data collection. This method is applied because of the argument presented in favor of qualitative research that it views the social world as a complex, dynamic human beings of multiple layers of meaning (Connolly, 2002, p. 27). Therefore qualitative data modifys a more comprehensive insight into the complexness of people.Qualitative research also supports feminist principles of where women are collaborative and equal in the research (Smith & Noble-Spreull, 1986). Where-as if a quantitative method was applied in this research, it would focus on controlled data where the researcher has a hierarchical relationship with the researched, consequently not equal and unvarying with feminist determine. Also through and through telling their stories wom en are given a voice to speak out within the public arena Delwyn Field Page 7 on pronatalism attitudes (promoting childbearing) which have been linked with patriarchal values and subordination of women (Riley, 2008).In turn this research will empower women to explore the complexity of childfree women which is important for feminism. Hence the qualitative approach when researching women who choose to remain voluntary childfree embraces the feminist perspective and enables us to seek understanding and information from the participants point of view (Bryman, 2001). 3. 1 DATA army The data collection for the research is through one on one interview through storytelling. Davidson & Tolich state storytelling aims to explore an individuals personal identitythrough personal accounts (Alice, 2003, p. 6). It is a method that reveals rich data because when individuals burble of their understanding of events they may retell it giving greater insight to the complexity of their experiences an d themselves (Webster & Mertova, 2007). This would be favorable in this research because the participants may have sooner unique and complex accounts of their chosen life path where their point of view is vital for data collection. Feminists also believe that storytelling is unique at capturing the conversion of experiences mingled with women (Alice, 2003, p. 67).The interviews will be conducted within the participants home, at multiplication which are most convenient for them. There is no incorporate time set due to the nature of the data collection method, but the research is based on one or two in depth interviews. The life stories will provide the interview format, my role as the researcher will be to provide prompts to encourage the escape of the interview sue. Being an insider within the research proposal, and having my position transparent through contributing and sharing in the interview, will enhance the process of sharing stories.Through the storytelling collection me thod the research will seek to cover several aspects of the participants life story. These will be consistent with revealing data that will help to conclude what it is like to be voluntary childfree in later life. See appendix one for subject matter the interviews will be seeking to cover from each participant. If a more formal structured Delwyn Field Page 8 interview was to take place assumptions some the participant may taint their viewpoint and limit the data amass (Bryman 2001).The interviews will be recorded by audio frequencytape, once consent is gained from the participants (Appendix two). This will enable me, the interviewer, to remain focused on the participants and enable the flow of the interview. follow taking will not be included as it may distort respondents answers and may be interruptive in the flow of the interview (Bryman 2001). The audiotapes will be transcribed by the interviewer and transferred to a hard imitation. The participants will be invited to be su pplied with a full copy of the audio interview and hard copy.This will in turn encourage reciprocality i. e. equal bi directional relationships within the research process, which is in line with feminism ideology (Smith & Noble-Spreull, 1986). It will also allow for the participants to confirm and have the opportunity to comment and make changes to their stories. This empowers the participant and encourages an egalitarian relationship which is harmonious with qualitative research (Smith & Noble Spreull, 1986). The data through out the research project will be kept in a locked register cabinet within my home in Taranaki.All information that is stored on computer will be contained in a secure file. At the end of the research project all data will be destroyed that is held on the computer, and within the filing cabinet. The participants audio tapes and hard copy tran hands will be returned to them or destroyed at the end of the research depending on their personal preference. The qua litative research will be analysed using coding where data retrieved from the story telling is bewildered down to key findings using the themes from the interview guide and other categories (appendix one).The other categories may be quite broad due to the in-depth nature of the data collection, thus sub categories may evolve through the data abstract (Bryman, 2001). The use of coding within the research enables the researcher to review transcripts and decrypt operative common themes of the participants interviews Delwyn Field Page 9 (Bryman, 2001). The coding process will categorize the participants life stories showing common patterns in the social world of those who remain voluntary childfree and allow for synopsis of the data (Bryman, 2001).Within the data collection coding should be done as soon as possible to sharpen your understanding of the data and help with providing other emerging patterns (Bryman, 2001, p. 398). These patterns above the interview themes will contribu te to the findings and the development of a theory to conclude the implications of remaining voluntarily childfree in later life. Once the coding is make out the data can be statistically analysed. 3. 2 SAMPLE GROUP/ PARTICIPANTS The sample group will consist of seven voluntary participants.The criteria for the sample group will be female, aged 65 years plus, voluntary childfree, living independent within the New Plymouth district community and have no cognitive disadvantage e. g. Alzheimers and dementia. The participants will be resurrected through volunteer means. An advertisement will be placed within the local New Plymouth Midweek paper, over a period of two months recruiting volunteer participants (appendix four). The advertisement will also target local agency Age Concern to advertise in their newsletter magazine (Appendix four).Recruitment will also depend on invitations been extended through snowballing where the researcher depends on the social network groups of childfre e women to enable invitation. Bryman (2001) describes snowballing as the opportunity to use a small group to recruit other participants who are relevant for the research. This method of enlisting is chosen because there is no data base to seek women who have chosen to remain voluntary childfree available in New Zealand. The researcher will select the first seven participants who meet the chosen criteria.The number of participants allows the researcher to stimulate a large enough sample base for data to be consequential in providing an analysis of voluntary childfree women. The Delwyn Field Page 10 group number is also conducive in enabling the type of data collection method to be effectively conducted. This is due the in depth nature of story telling collection methods in mating with the time restraints of the research proposal. The selected seven participants will be sent a letter introducing the researcher stating what is required as participants (appendix three), and a consent form (appendix two).The consent form will tell the participants of their rights, where the information will be used and ensure them that they can withdraw from the research at any time (appendix two). 4. ETHICAL ISSUES Through my study as a social work student I will be guided by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of affectionate Workers (ANZASW) autograph of moral philosophy (2008) ethical responsibilities in research. The research carried out will be in line with social work practice and be sensitive to the wellbeing and dignity of participants by integrating the following into the research proposed (ANZASW, 2008, p. 4). Before labour any recruitment the research proposed will be taken to the Western Institute of engineering (WITT) Ethics Committee to seek guidance and advice in regards to what research ethical motive committee I may need to gain approval from. This will ensure that the research meets the appropriate standards of being ethically sound. Within the voluntary recruitment process no participants will be obtained by coercion nor by force and at all times through out the research the participants have the right to withdraw without explanation to the researcher (Wilkinson, 2001, p. 6). The mental home letter (Appendix three) will be to ensure that participants are fully apprised of all relevant information in regards to the nature, purpose and process of the research that is to be carried out. This information will be fully disclosed whether the participant has asked for it or not and will ensure that the participant gains full knowledge of what they are getting into (Wilkinson, 2001). This will all be disclosed out front obtaining written consent (Appendix two) from the participants so that no deception occurs. Delwyn FieldPage 11 All data collection methods will be conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi partnership, participation and protection. The research will be conducted so that self determinatio n is sustained. This will be through participants obtaining a full copy of the audio interview and written copy of the transcript for clarification. This will also provide the opportunity for them to change and extract any information that they do not wish to be disclosed. Confidentiality will be upheld, names of participants will be deleted.Participants will be apprised though that some information given may enable them to be identified due to the size of the demographic area so complete confidentiality can not be fully guaranteed. All information obtained will be destroyed on completion of the research project, with the option that participants may have information returned to them if they wish. The concern for harm within the research would be that the research topic may generate negative memories and emotions for the participants.Under the clause 8. 1 of the ANZASW Code of Ethics (2008) the researcher must take all possible steps to protect participants, if distress does occu r a referral to a counselor will be provided (ANZASW, 2008, p. 14). This service will be available during and up to the completion of the research. Potential problems that may occur in onerous to carry out the research may be the perception that I the researcher are too young, thus discrediting my ability causing the participants to not talk to me.Also the ability to gain participants who wish to share their stories of their chosen life path of voluntarily remaining childfree may be considered too personal to share. If not enough participants are found the sample may not be large enough to give a significant and fair analysis of the implications of remaining childfree in later life within the New Plymouth district. Delwyn Field Page 12 At all times I will seek supervision due to my own personal position within the research topic. This will be to ensure information obtained from the research will not spark off any negative mental discomfort in my own personal life. . CONCLUSION Thi s research proposal is an opportunity for women to tell their stories and enlighten society that womanhood in later life is not just valued on motherhood, thus disputing pronaltist ideology (Riley, 2008). These stories will hopefully support existing literature and subscribe to assumptions, allowing voluntarily childfree women to be more valued in our society and not stereotyped for later life implications. One of the greatest benefits of this research is that undertaking research on women in later life who are voluntary childfree may assist future elderly generations.This is through providing rich data from their life stories which may conclude coping techniques to ensure well being an offset loneliness in later life. With using a feminist perspective in the qualitative research methodology the research will work for women and give a voice to empower them in their choices. The impuissance of the research is that there is no quantitative data for triangulation which may have provid ed the research with more validity and reliability. Future studies within New Zealand will be beneficial due to the limitations of this proposed research. Delwyn Field Page 13 6. BibliographyAlice, L. (2003). Power, experience, and process in femininst research. In C. Davidson & M. Tolich (Eds. ). Social Science explore In New Zealand Many Paths to Understanding. (2nd ed. ). (pp 62- 68), Auckland Pearson Education New Zealand Ltd. Alzheimers Society (2007, February). The relationship between Alzheimers disease and loneliness. Alzheimers explore News. Retrieved whitethorn 8, 2009 from http//alzheimers. org. uk/site/script/news_article Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (Inc). (2008). Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. (2nd revision).New Zealand Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (Inc). Ashcroft, C. DR (2009, April). Ageing in New Plymouth Planning for Tomorrow. New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Go vernment. Berk, L. (2007). Development Through the aliveness (4th ed. ). United States of America Person Education Allyn and Bacon. Boddington, B. , & Didham, R. (2008). Busy making other plans Increases in childlessness in New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand Demographic Trends. Retrieved May 28, 2009 from http//www. population. govt. nz/NR/rdonlyres Bryman, A. (2001). Social Research Methods.United Kingdom Oxford University Press Cameron, J. (1997). Without Issue New Zealanders who choose not to have children. Christchurch, New Zealand Canterbury University Press. Cahill, T. (2003, October). You Assumed Wrong. Macleans. 116 (40) 52. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//proquest. umi. com/pqdweb Connolly, M. (2002, Spring). Routes of Knowledge Toward apprised Practice Differing Paradigms in Social Work Research. Social Work Review, 14 (3) 27-29 Connidis, I. A. , & Davies, L. (1990). Confidents and Companions in Later Life The Place of Family and Friends. Journal of Gerontology Social Sciences. 5 (4) S141-149. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//socialsciences. gerontologyjournals. org/cgi/content/full//45/4/S141 Delwyn Field Page 14 Davey, B. (1999). Sketch of a Theory of loneliness. Perspective amiable Help. net. 4 (4) 1-3. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//www. mentalhelp. net/poc_doc. php. Dyson, S. (1993). The Option of Parenthood. Great Britain Sheldon Press, London Jeffries, S. , & Konnert, C. (2002). Regret and Psychological well being among voluntary and involuntarily childless women and mothers. internationalistic Journal of Ageing and Human Development, 54, 89-106.Retrieved May 29, 2009 from http//jfi. sagepub. com/cgi/reprint/30/5/670 New Plymouth District Council, (n. d. ). Living in New Plymouth About New Plymouth. Retrieved June 16, 2009 fromhttp//www. newplymouthnz. com/livingNewPlymouth/AboutNewPlymouth/ Pitt, L. (1989). Patriarchs, Paddocks And The Personal Five Women From The Wharehuia/ Te Popo District Talk About Their Lives. unpublished Master s of Social Work Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North. Pittaway, K. (2001, November). Your Kids, Your Problem. Chatelaine. 74 (11) 44. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//proquest. umi. om/pqdweb Rempel, J. (1985, May). Childless aged What are they Missing? Journal of Marriage and the Family. 47 (2) 343-348. Retrieved May 26, 2009 from http//www. jstor. org/stable/352134 Riley, T. M. (2008). Childfree couples experiences of stereotyping, harassment, and Pressure. Unpublished thesis of Masters of Social Science in Psychology, The University of Waikato, Hamilton. Rowland, R. (1982, March). An exploratory Study of the Childfree Lifestyle1. Journal of Sociology. 18 (1) 17-30. Retrieved May 25, 2009 from http//jos. sagepub. com At Massey University Library. Smith, B. Noble-Spreull, C. (1986). An Overview of Feminist Research Perspectives in H. Marchant, & B. Wearing. (Eds. ) Gender Reclaimed Women In Social Work. Sydney Hall & Iremonger. Victor, C. , Bowling, A. , Bond, J. , & Scamb ler, S. , (n. d) Loneliness, Social Isolation and Living Alone in Later Life. ESRC Society Today. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//www. esrcsocietytoday. ac. uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Plain_English Wane, J. (2008, May). Only the Lonely. North and South Magazine. 68-75 Delwyn Field Page 15 Webster, L. , & Mertova, P. (2007). using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method An access to Using Critical Event Narrative Analysis in Research on Learning And Teaching. USA Routledge Wilkinson, T. (2001). The Core Ideas in Research Ethics in M. Tolich (Ed. ). Research Ethics in Aotearoa New Zealand Concepts, practice, Critique. (pp. 13-24). Auckland Pearson Education New Zealand. Zhang, Z. , & Hayward, M. (2001). Childlessness and the Psychological Well-Being of Older Persons. The Journals of Gerontology Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 56S311-S320. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http//psychsoc. gerontologyjournals. org/cgi/content/full/56/5/S311