The talk presented methodological reflections and empirical findings from her on-going research which explores older women’s media experiences and their relationships to the media devices in their homes. This research on older women’s media experiences1 employs a method of walking in homes. As she walks with study participants – women living in the Austrian province of Styria aged 60+ – she asks them about their media experiences and the devices in their homes. The talk discussed the difference that “walking and talking together in the home” can make as a method in the research process. For example, how does the home as a place inform the interview? How are privacy and trust being negotiated as researcher and interviewee move through the private rooms of the interviewees? How does interaction with the media objects of the home allow for different ways of expressing experiences? How does walking-as-an-action shape the discussion? Drawing on examples from the walking interview material, the talk examined these question and ultimately asked how walking interviews conducted at home can contribute to a richer understanding of older women’s multi-faceted use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The guest lecture was followed by a lively discussion with faculty and students.
1 This research belongs to the “Cultural Narratives of Age and Aging” project lead by Prof. Dr. Roberta Maierhofer and supported by funds from Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Anniversary Fund, project number: 15849).