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Cover of The Routledge International Handbook on Narrative and Life History

The Routledge International Handbook on Narrative and Life History

Written by Molly Andrews,Ivor Goodson,Ari Antikainen,Pat Sikes

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666 pages, about 13 hours of reading

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About this book

In recent decades, there has been a substantial turn towards narrative and life history study. The embrace of narrative and life history work has accompanied the move to postmodernism and post-structuralism across a wide range of disciplines: sociological studies, gender studies, cultural studies, social history; literary theory; and, most recently, psychology. Written by leading international scholars from the main contributing perspectives and disciplines, The Routledge International Handbook on Narrative and Life History seeks to capture the range and scope as well as the considerable complexity of the field of narrative study and life history work by situating these fields of study within the historical and contemporary context. Topics covered include: • The historical emergences of life history and narrative study • Techniques for conducting life history and narrative study • Identity and politics • Generational history • Social and psycho-social approaches to narrative history With chapters from expert contributors, this volume will prove a comprehensive and authoritative resource to students, researchers and educators interested in narrative theory, analysis and interpretation.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Routledge International Handbook on Narrative and Life History, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 80 hours
  • advanced
  • scholarly
  • informative
  • analytical

The Routledge International Handbook on Narrative and Life History is an authoritative and comprehensive scholarly collection that explores the foundational theories, diverse methodologies, and myriad applications of narrative and life history research across various disciplines. Edited by leading figures in the field, this handbook provides a global perspective on understanding human experience through stories, examining how individuals and groups construct meaning from their lives. It serves as an essential resource for researchers, students, and practitioners seeking to engage with the rich and complex landscape of narrative inquiry. The volume meticulously unpacks the historical evolution, philosophical underpinnings, ethical considerations, and future directions of this vibrant research paradigm.

Narrative is not simply a way of representing life; it is a way of living it.

Key themes

The Construction of Identity through Narrative
This theme explores how individuals form, maintain, and transform their sense of self through the stories they tell about their lives. It delves into the processes of autobiographical memory, self-narration, and the dynamic relationship between personal stories and identity formation, often influenced by cultural scripts and social interactions.
Methodological Diversity in Narrative Inquiry
This theme highlights the vast array of approaches and techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret narrative and life history data. It covers various research designs, data collection methods (e.g., interviews, diaries, visual narratives), and analytical frameworks, emphasizing the flexibility and interdisciplinary nature of narrative research.
The Interplay of Individual and Societal Narratives
This theme examines how individual life stories are embedded within, shaped by, and in turn, influence broader social, cultural, historical, and political narratives. It explores the dialectical relationship between micro-level personal experiences and macro-level societal structures and discourses.

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