Master Narratives, Ethics, and Morality

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors explore how master narratives have ethical and moral implications, and how master narratives can provide a way for researchers to look at the intersections of culture, ethics, morality, and individual development. The authors make this case by advancing three propositions about the relations among master narratives, ethics, and morality: (1) master narratives are fundamentally about ethics, in that they outline and convey culturally held ideas about the nature of a good life; (2) while all master narratives are grounded in ethics, not all master narratives are moral; and (3) despite proposition 2, master narratives can come to exert moral force. The authors first describe the master narrative framework and then follow with a detailed discussion of the three propositions. The intent of the authors is that this integration of master narratives with moral development will help researchers in both areas to think about their work in new ways.

Handbook of Positive Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

“…Congregations and youth groups are fruitful environments for the discussion of abstract ideas, helping youth create meaning that contributes to their identity. Furthermore, religion offers a coherent ideological belief and value system, which can readily function as a master narrative through which young people can identify, organize, and internalize abstract beliefs (Syed et al, 2020). More often recognized as a resource for adolescent identity, narratives are also important for the construction of childhood self-concept Morris et al, 2011;Syed et al, 2020).…”

“…Furthermore, religion offers a coherent ideological belief and value system, which can readily function as a master narrative through which young people can identify, organize, and internalize abstract beliefs (Syed et al, 2020). More often recognized as a resource for adolescent identity, narratives are also important for the construction of childhood self-concept Morris et al, 2011;Syed et al, 2020). Master narratives facilitate internalization of beliefs in a coherent and effective manner, as opposed to a system of unrelated abstract beliefs.…”

“…In turn, these master narratives lend significance to personal narratives. When youth locate their personal narrative identities within grander religious or spiritual narratives, their own personal stories are "sanctified" and take on deeper, deeper significance as transcendent narrative identities (King et al, 2020;Ratchford et al, Chapter 4, this volume;Syed et al, 2020).…”

“…From the approach put forth in this chapter, dietary commitments tend to be less enduring unless they become internalized by reflecting on how an individual's behavior may impact the world around them. When beliefs and behaviors become an integrated part of a larger master narrative, they take on more significance (Syed et al, 2020). In addition, when abstract ideals, such as "it's bad to eat meat," are connected to actual behaviors (e.g., not eating meat) that have implications for the broader world, youth experience rewarding emotions and thus are more apt to internalize such beliefs as values.…”

Somali migration to the United States: Understanding adaptation through digital stories.

“…Master narratives are culturally shared stories that guide thoughts, beliefs, values, and behaviors (see also Hammack, 2008). They represent the broader societal norms and expectations for what is good, what is moral, and how to live a proper life (Syed, Pasupathi, & McLean, 2020). A master narrative perspective draws attention to how stories of migration are told and what the stories are about, thereby providing strong descriptive material about migration pathways that tends to be lacking in the dominant quantitative models.…”