The autobiographical narrative interview: a potential arena of emotional remembering, performance and reflection

Abstract

This chapter critically explores the autobiographical narrative method developed by the German sociologist Fritz Schütze. We shall argue that the methodology can help to uncover domains of psycho-social experience that may be hard to reveal using other interviewing techniques. The method includes a close analysis of interview transcriptions, distinguishing particular textual, performative and affective dimensions of self narration. It can provide valuable insights into the ways in which personal experiences and emotional trajectories, partially shaped by kinship dynamics, socio-economic and political processes, can influence identity development and the formation of life attitudes. As will become clear in this chapter, the method also frequently generates a useful reflective space for interviewees, allowing them to express, communicate and work through painful or confusing past experiences. This is less likely to happen using structured and semi-structured interview techniques, where frequent questions by the interviewer can hamper a process of deep inner reflection.

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ORCID for Markieta Domecka: orcid.org/0000-0001-8020-3075

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