Resistance and Fitting In: A Qualitative Analysis of Young Women in Alcoholics Anonymous. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019) - Sanders, Jolene
ABSTRACT: This article looks at the intersectionality between gender and age as it affects the recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Women remain a minority in AA, just over one third, and young people make up only 12% of AA membership. Although the gendered nature of AA has only recently been uncovered, focus on young people in AA is even less studied. Given their developmental stage, adolescents and young adults do not have the range of life experiences to draw upon as they try to identify with more mature members of AA. In turn, older members do not know necessarily how to bridge the gap in experience. Some young women perceive that they are not taken seriously, are viewed as too emotional, or simply are misunderstood. Alternatively, other young women find guidance and support from older members in the program. Whatever their individual experiences, young women, nonetheless, have to work to fit into the predominately older, male culture that is AA. However, as illustrated in their personal stories, the Traditions and Steps of AA help to facilitate the "fitting in" of all of its members including young, female members.