A narrative inquiry study on the life histories of South Sudanese women: Understanding women’s educational experiences as part of a donor-funded scholarship program

Benitez, Arlene

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115334 Copy

Description

Title

A narrative inquiry study on the life histories of South Sudanese women: Understanding women’s educational experiences as part of a donor-funded scholarship program

Author(s)

Benitez, Arlene

Issue Date

2022-02-01

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Davila, Liv T.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Davila, Liv T.

Committee Member(s)

• Dhillon, Pradeep
• Goodnight, Melissa
• Mason, Terrence C.

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

South Sudan, International Development, Gender, Higher Education

Abstract

This dissertation study utilizes life history interviews with five South Sudanese women recipients of donor-funded scholarships to pursue graduate studies in the United States in order to understand how they frame their educational experiences within the broader context of their life stories. The research attempts to capture the transformative effect that education can have on the lives of women and also identify specific elements of donor-funded higher education programs that can either help or hinder the empowerment of participants. Specifically, this research asks: 1) How did the participants’ prior backgrounds and experiences influence their desire and ability to participate in this program?; 2) What impact has participation in the program had on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes/dispositions of the women?; and 3) What barriers (cultural, societal, or within the program design and implementation) continue to impact the lives and career trajectories of the women? Through the use of narrative inquiry, the study presents narratives of the lived experiences of five women alumni of the South Sudan Higher Education Initiative for Leadership Development (SSHIELD) program from early life, through their degree program, and upon their return to South Sudan. The study identifies seven crosscutting themes that emerged from the interviews: the role of families in educational experiences; experiences of displacement and conflict; economic concerns; elements of the design of the program that women found helpful or challenging; gender roles and discrimination in South Sudan; the involvement of international development actors; and the impact of the SSHIELD program on participants. Findings inform suggestions for policy, practice, and future research.

Graduation Semester

2022-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Arlene Benitez

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