Female friendship and gender transformation

Abstract

This article explores the ways in which friendships between women may promote gender transformation. The study is based on 25 in-depth interviews with young women in Geneva disposed to gender transformation but not necessarily considering themselves to be 'feminist'. The findings, based on a dispositional and contextual analysis, show that female friendships provide women with a place where they find respite from men, become aware of gender relations, take action to further their emancipation and receive support for changes made. Furthermore, this research shows the way in which women are shaped by their friendships (being supported or influenced by them), but also how they shape them actively to model their emerging critical dispositions (selecting them, making use of them or moving away from them). It therefore indicates how women are active in modelling their dispositions within the dynamics of gender relations and other social forces.

Transformation and time-out: The role of alcohol in identity construction among Scottish women in early midlife

“…Thus, for these mothers of older children, drinking with other women was constructed as facilitating female friendships and providing a physical space away from men where women could be candid and unrestrained ( Bachmann, 2014 ).…”

“The relationship changed because I had changed”: Experiences and perceptions of friendships between women treated for substance use disorder in women-only residential programs

“…Thus, the space between women can create a counter-narrative in neoliberal times (Martinussen et al, 2020). Beyond these personal aspects, sharing experiences raises awareness of their collective nature (Bachmann, 2014), and thus may have a political potential that can lead to social change (Devere & Smith, 2010).…”

Peer support dan career decision making self-efficacy pada mahasiswa tingkat akhir di Malang

“…Hasil penelitian ini juga sejalan dengan penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Choi et al (2012), bahwa salah satu faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi CDMSE adalah peer support. Bachmann (2014), menyatakan bahwa pertemanan yang dibentuk oleh seseorang dapat berdampak pada tindakan yang akan dilakukan oleh anggota dalam pertemanan tersebut. Adanya dukungan dari teman dapat menyebabkan individu semakin terhubung dengan jejaring sosial yang lebih luas dan dapat memperkuat ide-ide untuk masa depan (Hoffnung, 2018).…”