Thesis
Changing notions of identity and selfhood among the homeless of Spokane, Washington
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2014
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103119
Abstract
This project seeks to examine the lives and personal stories of homeless individuals from Spokane, Washington, and to ascertain the ways in which these individuals have changed their identities and sense of self throughout their transitions and hardships. Stories began as narratives between researcher and participant and are here recounted for readers to provide the course of the participant's life experiences. While the causal factors of homelessness and the needs of those who are homeless are vast and well researched, the goal of this study was to encounter and identify the homeless as unique individuals, and to discuss themes repeatedly presented in stories. Explored here are not only ideas of selfhood and identity, but also notions of agentive, creative story telling. The discovery of these motifs allows for the discussion of purposeful selfframing and how these tales provide their tellers with the ability to negotiate identities and group membership even in changing life circumstances. By recounting the narratives of these individuals, and understanding how they have come to be who they feel they are, we change the lens with which we view the world of the homeless.
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Details
- Title
- Changing notions of identity and selfhood among the homeless of Spokane, Washington
- Creators
- Caitlin Khristine Estalilla
- Contributors
- Nancy P. McKee (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525086601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis