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Finding the arc: A story about a search for narratives

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 18:20 authored by Bishop, E
Powerful narratives exist about the nature, practice and validity of narrative inquiry. It is storied, for example, as complex, time-consuming and unappreciated by the conservative sociology academe. As a new PhD candidate I planned to undertake a straight thematic analysis. However, it became evident that an alternative approach was required. This paper tells a story about my struggle to comprehend narrative analysis and find the arc of my participant's stories. Because writing 'my sexual story' provided a particular turning point in this journey I also recount this here, in addition to an outline of the analytical framework I developed to interpret my data. I argue that narrative analysis is not easily learned through traditional scholarship: texts, journal articles, supervisors and conferences. Rather, a lingering, challenging - but ultimately highly rewarding journey may be required. It is my hope that this paper will provide insight and assistance to the novice narrative researcher.

History

Publication title

Narrative Inquiry

Volume

22

Pagination

366-383

ISSN

1387-6740

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

John Benjamins B V Publ

Place of publication

Klaprozenweg 105, Po Box 36224, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1020 Me

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in human society

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