A case study of the experiences of two women who have achieved the 'top' position in schools in western Pennsylvania: The superintendency.

摘要

The focus of this qualitative research is on the career patterns and paths of two females who are superintendent of schools. The study examines the socialization of these women through the feminist theory. This theory gives us a more accurate understanding of the experiences of these women and the meaning these experiences have on their professional lives. Literature was reviewed on the superintendency, the making of administrators in the 20th century, reformation in the superintendency, recent studies on women superintendents, gender roles and socialization, sex role stereotyping and female personality, and career socialization.;This naturalistic inquiry involved in-depth interviewing of these two women along with field observations. The data gathered resulted in five categories--early childhood experiences, the impact of schooling, the career, balancing personal and professional lives, and views on why there are so few women in this position. From these categories evolved themes common to both women.;Two assumptions were noted in this research: The first was that narrative biographic profiles of women superintendents would be useful as a guide for future aspirants. The second was that there is a need to disseminate information about the career paths of women seeking a position in what has typically been a male dominated field.;Recommendations for future research include: longitudinal studies of the same two women five years later, comparisons of career paths of a female and a male superintendent, a study for them, a study of why some women are unsuccessful in their quest for this position, an urban-rural comparison of women superintendents, research done on women administrators from a male researcher's perspective, and the role of networking and mentoring in advancement to this position.