Developing Narrative Theory: life histories and personal representation
Narrativity, Learning and Flexibility: towards the narrative future
Yet the spectrum of description to elaboration, and from closed to open, is complex. The multiple describers (see Figure 1) learn to move between scripts both conceptually and often geographically. This very mobility requires itself a pattern of flexible response and a capacity to ‘re-self’ in new social settings and geographical locations. Each script embraced may even be somewhat closed, through an open exploration of these scripts mobility, flexibility and re-selfing can be embraced, experienced and inscribed within each life story.
Figure 1
Multiple describers
Narrativity
- Low to middling narrativity and reflexivity.
- Personalized elaboration – personal vision high. Choose to move from their original social or geographical location.
- In the process of ‘becoming somebody’.
- Self belief – determined and confident – reflexibility of response. Good at repositioning and renegotiation of personal plans.
Learning styles
- Instrumental learning directed towards ‘becoming somebody’ in line with the elaborated goal.
- This goal is focussed on an occupational goal, somewhat narrowly defined – some strategic learning in pursuit of this occupational goal.
- No holistic narrative learning since no holistic goals or narration; and since little work has been put into holistic goals or narration.
