Write on! Cultivating social capital in a writing group for doctoral education and beyond

Abstract

Academic writing is an important skill in the development of researcher identity yet remains a hurdle to many. In this study, we examine the ways in which the exchange of social capital occurs in a writing group in Australia. We use Bourdieu’s theoretical concepts to examine data obtained from open-ended questions in an online survey that asked participants why they attend writing groups. Three key themes were constructed: navigating the gamut of researcher identity; formal structure engenders accountability; and pomodoro breaks facilitate connectedness. We find that there are elements facilitated in writing groups–beyond the act of writing–and suggest these informal settings are noteworthy sites where the exchange of academic disposition and competency occurs.