macfarlane-craftgroups-2009.pdf (226.42 kB)
Craft groups: sites of friendship, empowerment, belonging and learning for older women
journal contribution
posted on 2009-01-01, 00:00 authored by Selma MacfarlaneSelma Macfarlane, Jane MaidmentThis article reports on a qualitative research project conducted in Victoria, Australia, with nine older women. The purpose of the research was to explore the women’s experience of involvement in craft groups, and specifically, the impact of this involvement on their sense of well-being. Traditionally the health of older people has been examined in relation to medical markers of physical well-being, and often, decline. We were interested to widen this perspective to understand the impact of social connection, belonging and ongoing learning and development on the ageing experience.
While the focus of the groups was on domestic craftwork, the process of coming together as a collective appeared to have significant bearing on the holistic health of the women involved. Consistent with feminist groupwork literature, the findings indicated that the women we interviewed experienced the group setting as affirming and generative in a number of ways. These include providing an avenue for mutual aid, addressing isolation, affirming individual and collective strength and wisdom, while acquiring new skills, and normalising concerns regarding health and family.
While the focus of the groups was on domestic craftwork, the process of coming together as a collective appeared to have significant bearing on the holistic health of the women involved. Consistent with feminist groupwork literature, the findings indicated that the women we interviewed experienced the group setting as affirming and generative in a number of ways. These include providing an avenue for mutual aid, addressing isolation, affirming individual and collective strength and wisdom, while acquiring new skills, and normalising concerns regarding health and family.
History
Journal
GroupworkVolume
19Issue
1Pagination
10 - 25Publisher
Whiting & Birch Ltd.Location
London, EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
0951-824XeISSN
1746-6091Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2009, Whiting & BirchUsage metrics
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