Radcliffe class of 1943 oral history project. 1989.

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Radcliffe College. Class of 1943. Radcliffe class of 1943 oral history project.

Radcliffe class of 1943 oral history project. 1989.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/26643827

This study was conducted by members of the Radcliffe class of 1943 to gather life histories for their 45th reunion and to provide a useful body of knowledge about this generation. Special attention was paid to the impact of the Depression and World War II. In 1988, questionnaire packets were sent out to all surviving members of the class of 1943 who could be reached. These packets included the Adjective Check Lists and a life-history questionnaire. Of the 197 alumnae contacted, 109 responded. Of these, 99 completed the life-history questionnaires. The completed questionnaires have been used to identify candidates for oral histories. The questionnaire includes questions about demographics, family history and health history. These are followed by sections of open-ended questions on the emotional, practical, and personal impact of the Depression and World War II; on work history (including volunteer work, employment and retirement); and on post-war experiences including political beliefs, and retrospective opinions about Radcliffe and world events, including the feminist movement and the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Because the participants in this study were very close in age, the questions were designed to explore historical events as they affected this cohort in particular. For example, there are questions on growing up during the Depression; on early marriage, parenting and work during World War II; and on being middle-aged, possibly with college-aged children, in the 1960's. The Murray Center has all 99 of the life history questionnaires. In addition, oral histories with some of the participants are currently underway. The tapes and transcripts of these interviews will be housed at the Schlesinger Library.

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Harvard University, Murray Research Center