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‘Domestic friends’: women’s friendships, motherhood and inclusive intimacy

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>1/08/2015
<mark>Journal</mark>The Sociological Review
Issue number3
Volume63
Number of pages18
Pages (from-to)662-679
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date23/02/15
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Based on a qualitative, interview-based study of friendship, this article examines the specificity of ‘domestic friendships’ between women. Forged from the particular experiences, emotions and challenges of motherhood, they are qualitatively different from most friendships which tend to be based on individualistic connection and self-expression. Domestic friendships facilitate a specific form of ‘inclusive intimacy’ and shape an expansive experience of domestic life beyond the family or household. They help shape mothers’ sense of self as profoundly relational and interconnected with others, and channel a sense of biographical selfhood whose form and temporality is tied firmly to others’ lives.