Scrutinizing friendship. Methodological problems in investigation of friendship relationships

This paper analyzes research in friendship in the context of changing lifestyles and ways of interpersonal communication. Friendship is presented as a complex and fluid phenomenon which is difficult to define. The author points out the most interesting areas of friendship research that are connected with cultural norms, gender roles, and postmodern understanding of close relationships. It has been suggested that the contemporary research on friendship should be interdisciplinary by definition. peerReviewed publishedVersion