"Att bygga broar över murar"
en studie av ett kvinnligt ekumeniskt nätverk
The purpose of this master`s thesis is to examine how the contemporary changes in society display itself in the network Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women EFECW and to increase the understanding of networks. My main questions are: What does the networks structure look like? What does the networks relationships look like? How is identity created in the network and what types of identities is created? The objectives are reached by using two methods, qualitative inquiries and document analysis. The inquiries were carried out to nine members in the network of different countries. The theoretical framework of the thesis is Manuel Castells theories of the network society, and the study is also placed in context by a presentation of previous research on the field. The survey shows that EFECWs structure is typical for networks of today, with non- hierarchical structure and translocalism. The participants of my study are very frequently in contact with the network at different levels. EFECW is also typical because the relationships in the network are based on functions like inclusion, exclusion and exchange. The identities that was created in the network was mainly based on the objectives and the resistance of the network. Identities is created because of movements in the society and because the network can function as a buffer and supply for differentiation. Internet gives new opportunities and ways of communication that is influencing the structure, relationships and the making of identities in the network. The conclusions of the thesis are that many of the changes in society today are visible in the EFECW. The network can be a valuable resource in the contemporary society partly because of its work for unity.