Abstract
Disillusionment theory was tested among samples of young, middle-aged and elderly females in a Metropolitan Community on the North Central Plains. This theory suggests that as age increases, so does disillusionment with major American values. The problems of advancing age and poor health, one of the characteristics of the aging experience, are in conflict with the dominant values in American society; a situation which is likely to bring about either a change in values, or expression of disillusionment. Adherence to the work-activity orientation is not likely to decrease since it continues to provide identification and meaning to life.
Two hypotheses were substantiated by the data. Religious optimism among women decreases as age increases. The work-activity orientation among women does not decrease by age group. A third hypothesis, that among older women, belief in the mastery of science and technology over nature would decrease, was not supported. The orientation and value change among women according to the data presented is similar to that found for men on the themes of optimism and work-activity, but optimism rather than disillusionment was expressed about science-technology, suggesting the possibility of rural urban and sex differences.
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