Jeg vil gerne snakke med dig – om sociabilitet som samvær for samværets egen skyld

The chapter presents sociability as a form of contact where focus it is not on what we can use each other for, but rather on being together. Sociability describes the qualities of, and the satisfaction stemming from, first and foremost to be connected to other people – to engage in conversations with others and to be in contact. The concept is first outlined theoretically and secondly demonstrated in practice through microlevel analysis of a conversation in a volunteer association. Finally, the chapter discusses what role this form of human contact can play in professional contexts, which initially only exist because people in their contact with each other are means to other ends than associating for its inherent value.