Search for Meaning and Identity
The Search for Meaning and Identity Research Project is a series of related studies on the nature, psychological function and mode of communication of meaning and identity, together with an exploration of implications for Education, and for Religious Education and Church ministry.
The project is a systematic research response to the findings of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference Consultation with Youth (1998) which showed that a search for meaning and identity was a fundamental concern of contemporary Catholic youth.
In addition, writings on youth studies and youth spirituality in Australia and overseas indicate that a search for meaning and identity is critical for the personal and spiritual development of youth.
Coordination of the Project
Coordinator, Professor Graham Rossiter, ACU National
Assistant Coordinator, Associate Professor Wayne Tinsey, University of Notre Dame Australia and Catholic Institute of Western Australia.
Professor Graham Rossiter,
Australian Catholic University,
Locked Bag 2002,
STRATHFIELD NSW 2135
Ph:61-2-9701 4239
Fax: 61-2-9701 4275
Email: g.rossiter@mary.acu.edu.au
Assoc Prof Wayne Tinsey,
Notre Dame University & Catholic Institute of Western Australia
19 Mouat Street, FREMANTLE WA 6160
Ph:61-8-9370 6440
Fax: 61-8-9239 5609
Email: wtinsey@nd.edu.au
Search for Meaning and Identity
The complexities and pressures within modern Western societies have eroded the perceived relevance of traditional sources of meaning and identity in family, community and religion. This is the case not only for many young people, but for adults as well.
The construction of meaning and identity is therefore a critical developmental task in forming spirituality, and thus one that needs to be well informed and supported by the Church, Catholic schools and Religious Education. In addition, meaning and identity are becoming increasingly important concepts for planning the future direction of education, hence the need to explore ways in which schools can contribute to an education in meaning and identity.
The program of research
The four-part program will study meaning and identity across the life cycle. It will consider implications for different age groups and educational contexts. An initial focus is the spirituality of youth and on implications for school education and religious education.
Part 1: Interpretative schemes for "meaning", "identity" and "education in meaning/identity".
A systematic interpretative scheme (or typology) will be developed as an analytic tool for interpreting the nature, generation, psychological functions and modes of communication of meaning and identity.
It will also include a preliminary analysis of what is envisaged in an "education in meaning/identity" and it will identify issues related to the search for meaning and identity. The scheme acknowledges the close relationships and overlap between meaning and identity, which can be considered as integral parts of spirituality.
