This article reviews the research literature on the self-concepts of older women, tracing the antecedents, consequences, and correlates of gender-and age-related differences in four commonly studied dimensions of self-concepts: (1) self-esteem, (2) internal control, (3) age identification, and (4) the content of self-concepts, or identity. It is concluded that cultural prescriptions for "femininity" have a significant effect upon the self-esteem, internal control, age identification, and the content of self-concepts of women throughout life. Women in late middle age appear to derive benefit, in enhanced self-esteem, from apparent shifts toward a more "masculine" and less "feminine" self-concept.
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