Abstract

Gender identity has been a subject of discussion since the emergence of psychoanalytic theories. Rapid social changes of the past ten or twenty years have influenced changes in the notion and understanding of gender identity. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how the theory and practice of group analysis reflect the development of gender identity and how group processes enable the expression, understanding, acceptance and empowerment of a unique gender identity to each group member. It is important to point out that insights from group analysis can make a significant contribution to theory in understanding the process of developing gender identities related to language, culture, and the socially unconscious.