Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Factors influencing trousseau selection of college women

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  • The trousseau, a clothing custom related to the wedding, is considered to some extent by most brides today, and the influences in the selection of these clothes are many. In order to determine those factors which are influential in the trousseau selection of the young woman and to interpret the significance of this custom, a survey was conducted in the spring of 1960 with 40 senior engaged women enrolled at Oregon State University. Before beginning the survey, the literature in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology and the history and selection of clothing was reviewed. Since the trousseau is clothing and is part of the wedding, the custom can be interpreted through the interrelation of the social and psychological forces which influence the selection of all clothing and the significance of the wedding as a social event. Personal interviews were conducted with each participant by the use of the standard questionnaire which was formulated to determine the factors which might be influential in the young woman's choice of the trousseau arid to determine the meaning and significance of the trousseau today. The results of this survey showed that conformity to the traditions of the social group is the strongest motive in the young woman's wedding and trousseau plans. Since the women indicated a strong desire for the church wedding and since social custom dictates the appropriate attire for this ceremony, each participant planned to wear the traditional bridal gown for the nuptials and the going-away ensemble as she left the reception. Since the opinions of other people generally seemed to reflect conformity, their influence strengthened the effects of this motive. Of all other people, the mothers had the greatest amount of influence in their daughters' wedding plans. The financial situation of the family was an influence of secondary importance in the wedding and trousseau plans. Although the participants were affected to the greatest degree by the desire for conformity and social approval as indicated by their plans for the traditional church wedding and the customary bridal attire (wedding gown and going-away ensemble), these customs could be adhered to on limited finances if necessary. With the exception of the wedding dress and going-away suit, the clothing needs of the women were of minor influence in their trousseau plans. The women's present college wardrobes contained most of the clothing they would need for the wedding trip and afterwards. Additional clothing to fulfill their future needs would be acquired by the same pattern to which the women were accustomed rather than selected as part of the trousseau. That is, the participants planned to use their present wardrobes as the basis and to supplement them with new clothing as needed to be appropriately dressed according to the activities in which they would be engaged as married women. In all phases of the wedding and trousseau plans, the participants were greatly influenced by the desire to adhere to the traditions and sentiments of the wedding as a major social event. However, they were aware of practical considerations and were adapting the wedding customs to their own personal situations.
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