My talk derives from the master’s thesis that I am currently working on. I aim to examine female socialization in open women’s groups. These groups are organized by women for other women to spend time with each other, connect and talk. Participation is free of charge and not restricted by profession or skill, as in sports clubs, but only limited by gender. While some groups invite speakers or plan an activity to do together, talking to other women seems to be one of the most important aspects for participation. I am interested in the processes through which women build connections with other women they know or that are new to the group, especially through conversations.

I approach the topic through participant observation. The materials originate from my participation in the groups in which I conduct interviews and write observation reports.  Here the importance of working with vulnerable groups will be central. Despite the groups being “open” to their female participants, there are group-specific rules of confidentiality which must be taken into account for my analysis. I aim to understand how women form communities through conversation. Which processes are exclusive to said groups but also gender? What does it mean to be a woman in these groups?