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Qualitative Research
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Contrasting perspectives on narrating selves and identities: an invitation to dialogue

Brett Smith

University of Exeter, UK, B.M.Smith{at}exeter.ac.uk

Andrew C. Sparkes

University of Exeter, UK, A.C.Sparkes{at}exeter.ac.uk

In recent years, qualitative researchers have in varied ways conceptualized selves and identities as narratively constructed. In this article, we offer a typology for viewing, the various conceptualizations of narrative identities and selves. Five perspectives are presented for discussion. These are, the psychosocial, the inter-subjective, the storied resource, the dialogic and the performative perspectives. Insights into contrasts between them are also generated by exploring the emphasis given by each perspective to both the social and individual in creating selves and identities. These contrasts are organized along a continuum, with perspectives that adopt a `thick individual' and `thin social relational' view to the self and identity at one end, and those that adopt a `thin individual' and `thick social relational' view at the other. We close by suggesting that each perspective is worthy of consideration in its own right and that coexistence is possible despite their differences.

Key Words: continuum • contrasting perspectives • dialogue • identities • narrative • selves

Qualitative Research, Vol. 8, No. 1, 5-35 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1468794107085221
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