Det enda privata rummet?

Abstract

This article deals with diary writing by women living in rural areas of northern Sweden in the early 20th century. In this particular social setting it is difficult to distinguish separate public and private spheres. A question raised here is whether a possible purpose of diary writing could consist of the establishing of a private sphere. Three diary writers are presented. Spatial dimensions in their life situations are discussed and related to the written space that the diary constitutes. The study takes its departure from a combination of new literacy theory and gender theory, with the concept of subjective identity in focus.

Keywords

• diary
• northern Sweden
• 20th century
• women
• private
• public