Elena M's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Generational Empowerment: A Comparative Study of How Women Are Shaped by Upbringing Across Time
BASIS Advisor: Evan Burt
Internship Location: Population Reference Bureau
Onsite Mentor: Julia Greene



Project Abstract

This project examined how upbringing across generations has influenced women’s financial independence, career mobility, and sense of agency. Through an analysis of societal expectations, cultural norms, and family structures, I explored historical shifts in economic empowerment and their impact on women today. Despite advancements in education and workforce participation, women continue to face persistent economic barriers rooted in gendered norms. My research contributed to conversations on financial equity by investigating how generational experiences shape women’s long-term financial stability. I conducted in-depth interviews with women from four generational cohorts—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—to understand how upbringing affected their financial experiences. These personal narratives were complemented by historical and sociological data I analyzed through my internship with the Population Reference Bureau. This dual approach provided both intimate and structural perspectives on women’s economic empowerment across time. The project identified patterns of progress as well as ongoing challenges. For instance, while younger generations reported greater autonomy in financial decision-making, many still faced structural inequalities shaped by outdated expectations. Older generations reflected on shifts in gender roles but noted the enduring influence of traditional norms.  Despite its limitations, the research offered valuable insight into how upbringing intersects with broader societal forces. Ultimately, this project raised critical questions about the legacy of feminist movements—specifically whether past models, often shaped around male-defined success, may have inadvertently excluded more inclusive approaches to financial empowerment for women today. 

    My Posts:

  • Week 10: The Final One

    Hi everyone! Welcome back for the last time. It’s the final week of my senior project—and with it, the final blog post. After months of research, writing, editing, and refining, everything is finally coming together. The article is complete, the presentation is ready, and all the pieces are in place. It’s a strange but satisfying... Read More

  • Week 9: Pulling the Strings Together

    Hi everyone! Welcome back! This week looked a little different, as I wasn’t in the office as much, but it was still a productive and meaningful stretch of time. I conducted another interview, which added a new and unexpected perspective to my ongoing research. Each conversation has helped me piece together a fuller picture of... Read More

  • Week 8: Progress and Revisions

    Hi everyone! Welcome back! This week was a productive one! I submitted the draft of my article on the graduating class of 2025, which felt like a big milestone. After weeks of research and outlining, getting everything down in writing was both a challenge and a relief. I also completed the first round of revisions,... Read More

  • Week 7: From Notes to Narrative

    Hi everyone! This week, I discovered how much of a game-changer a voice transcriber app can be. During interviews, it’s easy to worry about missing something important or to get distracted by taking detailed notes. With transcription tools, I can stay fully engaged in the conversation and return to a clear record afterward. It’s streamlined... Read More

  • Week 6: Interviews, Insights, and the Class of 2025

    Hi everyone! Welcome back! This week, the wheels of progress kept turning for both my senior project and my internship. I conducted a few more interviews for my senior project, each one bringing new insights and a few “aha” moments. The conversations continue to focus on how upbringing influences women’s views on money, work, and... Read More

  • Week 5: Spring Break, But Make It Productive

    Hi everyone! We're halfway there! This week was technically spring break, but instead of a full-blown escape to some tropical beach, I opted for a quick getaway. No plane tickets, no passport stamps — just a quick break. After my mini-vacay, I was ready to jump back into my senior project. The highlight of this... Read More

  • Week 4: A Week of Recovery and Research

    This week started off a little slower than usual — I was out sick for a few days, which meant hitting pause on both my internship and my independent work. Not exactly ideal timing, but honestly, the break reminded me how much I actually enjoy what I’m doing. Once I was feeling better and made... Read More

  • Week 3: Exploring Demographic Trends and Continuing my Research

    Welcome back! This week, I crossed off a few big tasks: I finished up the one-pagers for our funders (check!), took on some more administrative work around the office, and I officially learned how to use a Xerox machine. It’s been a good way to see how an office environment functions, but the real excitement... Read More

  • Week 2: Social Media, Outreach, and One-Pagers

    Welcome back, everyone! This week has been all about balancing my independent research with my internship responsibilities. Each task has helped me build the foundation for my senior project. Before the start of this work week, I dedicated time to my independent research. I worked on drafting interview questions, making sure they were structured in... Read More

  • Week 1: Launching My Internship with the Population Reference Bureau

    This week marked the beginning of my internship with the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), an organization focused on providing data and analysis to inform policy decisions. My first day was primarily an orientation—getting to know the team, understanding the organization's structure, and familiarizing myself with its ongoing projects. Think of it as syllabus week, but... Read More

  • Week O: Introducing My Senior Project

    Hi everyone! My name is Elena, and for my senior project, I’m exploring how women’s upbringing across generations has shaped their economic empowerment. Specifically, I want to understand how cultural norms, family structures, and societal expectations have influenced women’s financial independence, career mobility, and sense of agency. I’m also interested in whether past feminist movements—while... Read More