Narrative Methods

by Paul Anthony Atkinson (Editor)

In recent years, there has been a convergence of interest on narratives and lives from many qualitative and interpretative strands in the social sciences. In some contexts this is interpreted somewhat narrowly but these volumes adopt a more inclusive approach to the topic of narrative methods to reflect the current diversity of perspectives across the different social sciences. Here the broad term ′narrative′ includes personal narratives, life histories, performances, testimonials, and memories. The aims of this compilation are to demonstrate the deeply rooted nature of this approach across the social sciences; reveal the contested nature of the narrative turn; emphasize the methodological strengths and weakness associated with the collection and analysis of narrative, life story and performance; and break down the barriers between the disciplines in their uses of such material.

1640 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006