| It is the premise of this research that the issue of invisibility of the self is a universal one. In this research, the nature of the relationship of identity to invisibility is shown to have a dramatic effect upon the learning self. When there are societal or personal constraints, such as fear, oppression or inequity, individuals seek invisibility, depriving not only the individuals but the society at large of optimal learning and resulting contributions to the community. For those involved in leadership roles in improving the quality of public education, an understanding of this context of self is necessary.;Through multiple and varied interpersonal conversations, the researcher and participants examined ways in which they found themselves expressing invisibility or identity of the hermeneutic self. This is a meaning-seeking self or, in Ricoeurian terms, oneself as another. These conversations with women in the United States and Southeast Asia became the text of the research; these are the stories that illuminate the universal from the particular and general from the specific.;Twenty-four thematic clusters were identified as actions instrumental in contributing to invisibility, some of these being fear of loss, being perceived as different or oppression by the hegemony. Conversely, twenty-six thematic clusters were shown to have a positive effect on developing identity, such as community support, open communication, and taking personal initiative. Both internal and external factors affect the context in which the learning self confronts these issues. Political and social infrastructures either support or hinder visibility; they are not neutral.;The study confirms that when the self is visible, learning potential is maximized. The research demonstrated how a positive interaction between educational environments and social policies enhances the development of the self; an emphasis on respect and a promotion of diversity are critically needed. When individuals and social institutions become aligned in this focus of self as another, a positive setting for life-long learning will be in place. |
