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On Stories, Conceptual Space, and Physical Place: Considering the Function and Features of Stories Throughout the Narrative Ecology

W. Dunlop,Dulce Wilkinson Westberg

Published 2022 in Personality Science

ABSTRACT

Life stories, or narrative identities, are psychosocial constructions that work to establish a sense of self-continuity through time and across contexts. These stories, which represent a distinct personality domain and assessment paradigm, both inform and are informed by the stories pertaining to constructs within more distal systems (e.g., dyads, households, states, nations, cultures). To this end, we consider the ways in which study of narrative identity may be enhanced by extending the conceptual bounds of its assessment paradigm, to better account for the varied stories within and across these ecological systems. We argue that: a) like narrative identity, stories throughout the narrative ecology function to build and maintain continuity, and b) there are thematic features of narrative identity that transcend divides between these systems including: agency & communion and redemption & contamination. These premises work to focus study of self, society, and story. Relevance Statement We articulate a framework for interpreting the function and features of stories, irrespective of whether they pertain to one's individual identity, through whole cultural communities. This carries implications for the study of the contributing factors to variability (be it individual, intranationally, or internationally) in narrative identity. Key Insights Narrative identity is considered from the vantage of ecological systems theory. Throughout the narrative ecology, stories work to further continuity. Throughout the narrative ecology, stories may be interpreted using agency/communion and redemption/contamination. This framework helps guide research on intranational variation in narrative identity.

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