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

Abstract

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.