Agentive Identity Construction through Narrative Socialization in a Professional Community of Practice in China

Abstract

This study brings together the field of language socialization and narrative analysis to investigate agentive identity construction in a professional community in China. It proposes a conceptual model of agentive identity construction and tracks a novice member’s identity trajectory. The study illustrates how her narratives moved from negative to positive over time, ultimately aligned with the habitual narrative practices of identity in the community. I argue, contrary to previous studies, the identity trajectory in this community is predictable across four stages. This study draws attention to narrative action in progress at multiple levels of positioning in the process of professional socialization.