This book explores the rich, diverse opportunities and challenges afforded by research that analyses the stories told by, for and about women. Bringing together feminist scholarship and narrative approaches, it draws on empirical material, social theory and methodological insights to provide examples of feminist narrative studies that make explicit the links between theory and practice. Examining the story as told and using examples of narratives told about childhood sexual abuse, domestic/relationship abuse, motherhood, and seeking asylum, it raises wider issues regarding the role of storytelling for understanding and making sense of women’s lives. This thought-provoking work will appeal to students and scholars of women’s studies, feminist and narrative researchers, social policy and practice, sociology, and research methods. Jo Woodiwiss is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Kate Smith is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Applied Childhood, Youth and Family Research at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Kelly Lockwood is Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Salford, UK. Endorsements: ‘Long overdue and brilliantly prefaced by Liz Stanley, the book links a passionate feminist analysis with personal narrative. Several entries chart new methodological ground, and others thoughtfully explore contemporary issues in narrative research, including a situated subjectivity, contexts of production and reception of stories, the constraints of dominant cultural narratives on speaking and listening, and women’s agency and resistance practices in the face of them. The book will generate spirited discussion in classes and provide instructors with rich theoretical material and concrete research examples.’ – Catherine Riessman, Boston University, USA ‘An innovative and important collection of original feminist studies. Taken together they address key strategies for situating and challenging dominant narratives. It is an inspiring collection.’ – Ken Plummer, University of Essex, UK ‘Reading this book, one encounters a commitment to what Liz Stanley calls “analytical responsibility,” and learns much along the way.’ – Molly Andrews, Centre for Narrative Research, University of East London, UK. |