Telling Stories

The Use of Personal Narratives in the Social Sciences and History

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Methodology, History, Reference, Study & Teaching
Cover of the book Telling Stories by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett ISBN: 9780801457791
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: August 22, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
ISBN: 9780801457791
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: August 22, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

In Telling Stories, Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, and Barbara Laslett argue that personal narratives-autobiographies, oral histories, life history interviews, and memoirs-are an important research tool for understanding the relationship between people and their societies. Gathering examples from throughout the world and from premodern as well as contemporary cultures, they draw from labor history and class analysis, feminist sociology, race relations, and anthropology to demonstrate the value of personal narratives for scholars and students alike.

Telling Stories explores why and how personal narratives should be used as evidence, and the methods and pitfalls of their use. The authors stress the importance of recognizing that stories that people tell about their lives are never simply individual. Rather, they are told in historically specific times and settings and call on rules, models, and social experiences that govern how story elements link together in the process of self-narration. Stories show how individuals' motivations, emotions, and imaginations have been shaped by their cumulative life experiences. In turn, Telling Stories demonstrates how the knowledge produced by personal narrative analysis is not simply contained in the stories told; the understanding that takes place between narrator and analyst and between analyst and audience enriches the results immeasurably.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Telling Stories, Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, and Barbara Laslett argue that personal narratives-autobiographies, oral histories, life history interviews, and memoirs-are an important research tool for understanding the relationship between people and their societies. Gathering examples from throughout the world and from premodern as well as contemporary cultures, they draw from labor history and class analysis, feminist sociology, race relations, and anthropology to demonstrate the value of personal narratives for scholars and students alike.

Telling Stories explores why and how personal narratives should be used as evidence, and the methods and pitfalls of their use. The authors stress the importance of recognizing that stories that people tell about their lives are never simply individual. Rather, they are told in historically specific times and settings and call on rules, models, and social experiences that govern how story elements link together in the process of self-narration. Stories show how individuals' motivations, emotions, and imaginations have been shaped by their cumulative life experiences. In turn, Telling Stories demonstrates how the knowledge produced by personal narrative analysis is not simply contained in the stories told; the understanding that takes place between narrator and analyst and between analyst and audience enriches the results immeasurably.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book Singlewide by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Between Two Motherlands by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book City of Strangers by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book The Backyard Birdsong Guide Eastern and Central North America by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Christian Imperialism by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book The City Is the Factory by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Mere Equals by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book National Interests in International Society by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Landscapes of the Jihad by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Cluny and the Muslims of La Garde-Freinet by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book The Image before the Weapon by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Democracy and Displacement in Colombia's Civil War by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book American Power after the Financial Crisis by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book The Depths of Russia by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
Cover of the book Casino Women by Mary Jo Maynes, Jennifer L. Pierce, Barbara Laslett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy