Care of self

Abstract

The purpose of this interview-based study informed by poststructural feminism and Foucault s ethical analysis, care of the self, was to explore the subjectivities that seven low income, female survivors of domestic violence construct while pursuing postsecondary education. A homogeneous, purposeful sampling strategy was used to select seven single mothers who had experienced domestic violence in the past, but were presently not in abusive relationships, and who were considered to be low-income. Data collection included semistructured interviews, observations, field notes, and reflective journaling. Data analysis was performed using a poststructural method called nomadic inquiry that yielded findings that matched data to theoretical concepts within Foucault s ethical analysis, care of the self. The findings indicated that the participants began to construct their subjectivities when they made the decisions to leave the abusive relationships. The most prevalent practice of self that the participants used to create their subjectivities was the use of masters, that is, seeking advice from individuals within the friendship, domestic violence, and school arenas. The most frequent subjectivities that the participants constructed were good mother, independent woman, and good student.