The Construction of a Personal Position Repertoire: Method and Practice

Abstract

In the light of the preceding article (Hermans, 2001), a new method, the Personal Position Repertoire (PPR), is presented that can be used in research and practice. The method is illustrated with several actual case studies showing the different parts and steps of the method to be followed. Special emphasis is given to the organization and reorganization of the position repertoire, to the implied meaning units and their affective connotations. Three key concepts are elaborated in the method: multivoicedness, dialogical interchange and power. The illustrations show how these concepts can be investigated in their combination. Finally, two case studies are presented from a couple, a Dutch woman and an Algerian man, living on the contact zones of two cultures. The place of cultural positions as part of their position repertoire is discussed.