Using Intersectionality to Explore Narrative Researcher Identity Development in Narrative Inquiry Research

Abstract

Narrative inquiry, or narrative research, is a qualitative research methodology where knowledge is co-constructed through the telling and re-telling of life stories. As researchers engage in narrative inquiry, their identities or life narratives are lived and changed. Utilizing Bruner’s Life as Narrative framework, alongside intersectionality theory as an analytic tool, the authors describe the ongoing development of narrative identity within and outside of the narrative researcher role. Strategies to engage an intersectional, interactional process of narrative inquiry are provided with first-hand examples throughout research design, data collection, data analysis, and post-analysis write-up phases of research.