Mechanisms of Selection in Claiming Narrative Identities: A Model for Interpreting Narratives

Abstract

Aiming at a tight correspondence between narrative epistemology and methodology, a model for interpreting narratives is proposed that derives from a theoretical conception of how identities are claimed via stories. The narrative production is conceived as consisting of six mechanisms of selection, through which biographical facts are chosen, filtered, and sorted, with the purpose of confirming an established end point. Accordingly, the analysis seeks to identify the expressions of these mechanisms in a given story, as a way to recognize the identity being claimed. A holistic interpretive strategy underlies the process, requiring that both life and story be considered, treating the narrative as a whole unit, regarding form and content, paying attention to contexts, and employing a multidimensional interdisciplinary lens. Following the presentation of the interpretive model and its underlying theoretical foundation, the analysis is demonstrated through life stories of retired senior officers from Israel’s founding generation.

Peer group as a meeting place: Reconstructions of teachers’ self-understanding and the presence of vulnerability

“…Johanna's accounts were read first inductively as a whole to identify the key issues constituting the story of her self-understanding (cf. Spector-Mersel, 2011). The first analysis of Johanna's storyline showed different sides to self-understanding in her story: there seemed to be a change in Johanna's story from a highly motivated teacher to a teacher who only worked for the money.…”

“…Spector-Mersel, 2011). The overall picture of Johanna's story was sharpened by identifying critical incidents in Johanna's storyline.…”

“…Spector-Mersel, 2011). We collected all of the discussions in the transcripts in which Johanna verbally participated.…”

Knowledge and practice in mental health nursing care

“…Six key informants were found through their scientific publications on the theme of nursing care and psychoanalytical theory; they, in turn, referred other nurses. Thirty nurses were found, of whom eight felt they did not meet the criterion based on theory (11) , and three did not respond to contact. The participants were identified by the letter "N," followed by Arabic numerals according to the order of the interviews.…”

“…They met the following inclusion criteria: to be working in the mental healthcare area and to recognize that this care is provided based on Lacanian theoretical influences. The sample was obtained by means of theory-based and snowball sampling techniques (10)(11) . Six key informants were found through their scientific publications on the theme of nursing care and psychoanalytical theory; they, in turn, referred other nurses.…”