三位空巢期女性的工作、休閒與家庭意識形態：自覺與賦權的過程

Using qualitative approach, the study was to examine the process of awareness and empowerment of family ideology in female’s three life stages. The sample was three empty-nester female teachers. Data were collected utilizing in-depth interviewing technique as well as participant observation. The results indicated that all three teachers centered their life on the family during the early establishment stage. As a result, personal interests and self-growth were greatly ignored. At the mid-establishment, as well as new knowledge and skills. At the late establishment, they became more independent and confident. Ultimately they gained a sense of awareness and empowerment over their life span. Three major transitions were found during their life stages: (1) from family-centered to self-centered, (2) relieved from constraints of the family ideology gradually, and (3) awareness and empowerment gradually emerged within leisure containers. Five conclusions were drawn. (1) Female teachers gain their independence and power gradually. (2) In order to gain awareness and empowerment of family ideology, they need to be well educated with stable jobs, have affluent social network and financial independence, and with persistent efforts. (3) Applying and interpreting the life stage theory developed by developmental psychology should be done cautiously. (4) While female teachers focus their interests and energy outside wedlock, their spouses become family-centered and tend to reverse husband-wife role. And (5) Female teachers’ awareness and empowerment of family ideology are mutually influenced with pursuing diverse leisure activities as well as hobbies. Recommendations and implications of the study were further discussed.