Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Feb;91(1):165-179.
doi: 10.1111/jopy.12739. Epub 2022 Jun 21.

Becoming Jane Barney: Developing a generative identity as an engaged citizen

Nicky J Newton  1 , Abigail J Stewart  2
Affiliations
Free article

Becoming Jane Barney: Developing a generative identity as an engaged citizen

Nicky J Newton et al. J Pers. 2023 Feb.
Free article

Abstract

Objective: We propose that analysis of the life of Jane Lockwood Barney provides insight into the notion of a "generative identity"-an integrated sense of self constructed around caring for others and the world. During her 104 years, the socially prescribed roles for women grew in range; Barney's own roles included minister's wife, mother of four, theological philosopher, social work student and professional, and community activist. We outline her life, focusing on three periods defined by her time at Parishfield, a Christian 'think tank' that focused on community-engaged advocacy for structural change, based in Brighton, Michigan.

Method: Using thematic analysis, we identify three main themes from documents written by and about Barney, as well as interviews conducted later in her life.

Results: Consistent with Erikson's notion of epigenesis, these themes-belonging, self-reliance/self-expression and generative identity-are evident throughout Barney's adult life to varying degrees. However, we show that the first two themes, belonging and self-reliance/self-expression, act as precursors to the development of her generative identity.

Conclusion: Barney's experience at Parishfield in midlife was pivotal to her generative identity, acting as a sort of crucible and turning point; from that time forward the focus of her activities broadened to caring and working tirelessly for the underserved in her community.

Keywords: community activist; generative identity.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Arendt, H. (1958/1998). The human condition (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
    1. Barney, J. L. (1970). Liberation for the elderly woman [Unpublished manuscript]. Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
    1. Barney, J. L. (1987). Community presence in nursing homes. The Gerontologist, 27(3), 367-369. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/27.3.367
    1. Barney, J. L. (1990). My life before gerontology [Unpublished manuscript]. Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
    1. Barney, J. L. (1999). Unpaid-for work. In Z. Curtis (Ed.), Life after work: Stories of freedom, opportunity, and change (pp. 103-108). The Women's Press.

Publication types