Power Of Narrative Research Articles

Geographical storylines and the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Narrative power and narrative taboos, a (difficult) conversation

Geographical storylines and the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Narrative power and narrative taboos, a (difficult) conversation

A Coherent Analysis of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Using Segmented Discourse Representation Theory

Shirley Jackson's The Lottery is a powerful narrative widely analyzed for its social, cultural, and literary dimensions. However, the linguistic intricacies of Jackson's work remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by applying Segmented Discourse Representation Theory (SDRT) to analyze the discourse structure of The Lottery. SDRT, a formal theory of discourse that emphasizes coherence relations, provides a systematic framework for examining how different narrative segments interact to create a cohesive and impactful story. By employing SDRT, this research uncovers the intricate ways in which Jackson's linguistic choices contribute to the story's thematic depth and emotional resonance. This analysis not only enhances our understanding of Jackson's narrative techniques but also demonstrates the applicability of SDRT in literary discourse analysis, offering new insights into the dynamic development of discourse within literary texts.

Jews, Lordship, and the Experience of Power in Early Eleventh Century France

ABSTRACT The article explores the views of Jews in the early eleventh century on issues of rulership and power through analysis of a Hebrew text known as the ‘1007 Anonymous’. The article opens with a discussion of this work’s account of practices of lordship, showing that its protagonist is presented as a lord. It then turns to examine papal involvement in the power struggles that characterised France, concluding that the protagonist’s appeal to the papacy was at the time a common practice. It moves on to analyse anti-Jewish rhetoric and its underlying political messages, presenting it as a manifestation of power narratives. Finally, the article reframes the Hebrew account as evidence of Jewish attempts to cope with the rise of new practices of rulership in early eleventh century France, and as depicting a Jewish-Christian dispute over the symbolic role (or lack thereof) of the Jews within this political dynamic.

Who Wants to Become a Role Model? Personal Narratives of Success and Internal Dynamics of Change in Nairobi’s Ghettos

Abstract This article contributes to an understanding of the internal dynamics of change in Nairobi’s ghettos (Kenya). Spaces of relegation for the urban poor, referred to by our interlocutors as “ghettos”, are often portrayed either as objects of international interventionism or as deprived areas neglected by national or metropolitan policies. We argue that social and material change in these spaces can be conceptualised at the interface between personal narratives of change and the structural urban dynamics at play. Using qualitative methods of individual narratives, we examine in particular how individuals identified as successful by those around them, born and raised in Nairobi’s marginalised neighbourhoods, construct their self trajectories as role models to invest themselves as vectors of change within their “ghetto”. Drawing on literature that focuses on the power of personal and collective narratives of social change, we explore how they perform their narrative and transform it into a “narrative capital”. This way, they contribute to the production of a narrative that is partially detached from external developmentalist imperatives, emphasising the importance of intergenerational links as a driving force for change, as well as the links that the ghetto maintains with its immediate urban environment.

Immersion and Distancing

The departure of a charismatic leader in an authoritarian system poses substantial risks for regime durability. Designated succession guarantees a smooth transfer of power and reduces the danger to regime longevity. The manner in which political successors leverage and institutionalize charismatic attachments to regime founders is crucial in determining their own and the regime’s political survival. This article presents a new theoretical framework for examining the process of post-charismatic legitimation in two personalistic autocracies: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Authoritarian power justification can be understood through two modes of post-charismatic succession: immersion and distancing. If successfully performed, charismatic attachments and public loyalties to regime founders transfer to their appointees, reviving existing power narratives: an immersion strategy. However, if the charismatic leader loses popular support, the distancing strategy allows an anointed heir to reject patronal legacies. The comparison between post-charismatic successions in Baku and Astana demonstrates the practical implications of the immersion and distancing approaches to legitimation. This analysis is based on expert interviews, fieldwork notes, and archival data.

Placing the environment in Middle East studies: beyond the single story

ABSTRACT Crisis is a recurrent motif in discussions of the environment in the Middle East. Concerns about water scarcity, food insecurity, climate disasters, and resource degradation play into common associations of the region with conflict, malfunction, and despair. Yet this single story obscures as much as it illuminates. In this paper, I draw examples from my work on Nile water politics, climate change, and bread in Egypt to illustrate the power of this dominant narrative and its limitations. I reflect on the multiple stories that emerge when we shift our starting point or scale of analysis. I argue for the need to move beyond thinking about the environment just as a problem space to consider it as the space in which people are living their daily lives.

Telling a scientific story and governing the population: The Kallikak story and the historical mutations of the eugenic discourse.

In this article, we follow the trails of 20th-century psychologist Henry Herbert Goddard's influential study of the Kallikak family. Goddard's study is treated as a scientific story with two interlocking dimensions: One is the actual story of the Kallikak family, with literary elements such as setting, plot, and characters. The other dimension is the broader eugenic discourse, a powerful scientific narrative that calls for action in relation to society and the population. The purpose of the article is twofold. Firstly, to analyze the forming and articulations of this story and to explore some of the consequences for governing the population that it has made possible. Secondly, to explore some aspects of what a Foucauldian analytics of government can contribute with in relation to Goddard's work and the eugenic discourse from the early 20th century to today. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Conspiracy theories and the epistemic power of narratives

ABSTRACT We often turn to comforting stories to distract ourselves from emotionally painful truths. This paper explores a dark side of this tendency. I argue that the way false conspiracy theories are disseminated often involves packaging them as part of narratives that offer comforting alternatives to ugly truths. Furthermore, I argue that the way these narratives arouse and resolve our emotions can be part of what causes people to believe conspiracy theories. This account helps to bring out some general implications about the power of narratives for misleading people into believing misinformation: I argue that narratives can cause intuitive judgments of truth that are especially difficult to dispel through critical reflection. I also sketch some practical implications for how the media can better frame their reports about both conspiracy theories and factual narratives.

Probing the Narrative Techniques of Amitav Ghosh's Select Novels

Every novel has a unique character, style and plot. The characteristic in the novel is commonly connected to the formula used to narrate the story. The formula in novels commonly involves narrating the figure that becomes the main character in the novel. However, the perspective of the narrator cannot be separated to make an impact in the story. Each author has their own way of narrating their work. True stories can be found in all literary works. Since there would be no record of cultural activity without recounting the story, it serves as the basis for a several literary works. This statement is consistent with the vision of contemporary literature sees art today, which holds a significant place in the comprehension of cultural activity; on the other hand, the narrative showcases the work of the entire element. The problems are the concepts of stories and storytelling, which are included in the study narratology. Narrative is provisionally defined as a semiotic representation of a sequence of events linked in a temporal and casual way. There is no standard definition for the narrative. Definitions are a type of translation since they help us understand a phenomenon in connection to others that are already known to us and (theoretically) should not require definition. As a result, a definition of a certain item will change depending on the “language”, we choose to define it. A definition must be contextualized because it serves a specific purpose. Depending on the needs of the context, a definition may be more or less specific or detailed. However, the verb narrate is connected to the word narrative. Not only in novels or historical literature, but also in everyday life. The narrative is linked with the following like school teacher, friend in school playground, co-passenger during travel, reporter in television, newsreader over the radio, partner of one on dinner, newspaper columnist, as well as narrator in novel that we like to read prior laying down in bed with the actions of narration and could be identified everywhere when someone tells us about something. Fludernik (2006) proposed Narrative theory, which studies narrative. The genre's study, known as narrative theory or narratology, is aimed at describing the constants, variables, and combinations typical of narrative. Its objective is to clarify how these characteristics of narrative texts are connected within the framework of theoretical models (typologies). In the vast field of contemporary literature, the works of Amitav Ghosh stand as luminous testimonies to the art of narrative. He won praise from readers throughout the world for their powerful narratives that deftly weave together the personal and the political, the historical and the cultural. His words have force not only because of the stories he tell, but also because of the unique ways he express those stories. Amitav Ghosh is the most celebrated Indian-English writers of their generation. He is renowned for his beautiful writing, in-depth exploration of identity and belonging, and passionate involvement with the Indian diaspora. However, he has quite different narrative styles. Ghosh’s writing is more wide, intellectual, and historically educated. Amitiv Ghosh in the novels such as The shadow lines and The Hungry Tide, unravelling the linguistic variations, structural innovations and cultural signifiers embedded in their works. In addition to enhancing literary study, knowledge of these narrative idioms offers insightful advice to authors, teachers and readers; thus, making a better understanding for the numerous ways in which stories can be told.

Media Narratives Beyond the Headlines: A Review on Global Media Coverage of the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit

Global media narratives refer to how international news outlets frame and present stories, shaping public perception and discourse on significant events like the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit. This includes the themes, tones, and emphases used by different media sources to convey the importance, implications, and outcomes of such global events. This study explores global media coverage and narratives during the COP15 summit in December 2022, aiming to analyze dominant themes presented by international media, identify differences in reporting approaches among major outlets, and evaluate the influence of these narratives on public awareness and policy discourse regarding biodiversity. Using content analysis, the research studies news from various outlets to identify and quantify key themes such as ecological urgency, economic implications, policy negotiations, and scientific discoveries. Comparative analysis highlights variations in coverage focus, tone, and depth, revealing how regional contexts and media ownership influence reporting styles. Findings indicate that while some media outlets prioritize policy negotiations and economic implications, others emphasize ecological urgency and scientific findings, leading to varied public and policy responses. This research underscores the critical role of media in shaping public understanding and influencing policy debates on biodiversity. By providing insights into effective reporting practices, the study aims to enhance the quality of environmental journalism and foster informed public and policy engagement with biodiversity issues, contributing to the broader discourse on environmental communication and the power of media narratives in addressing global environmental challenges.

Methods and value of storytelling for stakeholders in post-disaster tourism scenarios

PurposeThe tourism sector continues to be an engine for economic growth for communities (Jenkins, 1980), and in post-disaster scenarios, destination can be overwhelmed with challenges, particularly for the local community. However, it is essential to seek the most effective path of recovery for individuals and communities. Gaps in contemporary post-disaster literature remain, as the focus often centres on infrastructure and economic developments (Cox and Perry, 2011). This paper aims to address such gaps by offering new ideas around the value of recovery focusing more on the victims, their stories and the role of tourism.Design/methodology/approachAs a theoretical paper, the applied method is described as a convenient approach to data collection and analysis. The methodological reasoning is down to the selection and examination of sources used to establish new theoretical understandings. The study applies a pragmatic research approach to embrace the spectrum of views that are present within the constructivist and positivist. The pragmatic philosophical approach supports multi-disciplinary studies and ensures a more holistic consideration of social conditions is embraced.FindingsThis paper offers new knowledge and ideas for post-disaster recovery scenarios. It presents a model that incorporates a range of (traditional, digital and immersive) methods and platforms in which stories can be shared and presented. It argues that allowing victims to share stories in different formats could support rehabilitation while also providing stronger, powerful narratives for tourists, leading to more effective tourism experiences.Originality/valueDisasters leave individuals and communities in devastation and with potentially lifelong trauma. In rehabilitation of victims is a vital ingredient to the recovery of a destination and its social fabric. This research offers new ideas around the use of digital technologies to generate stories of value that not only support victims of disasters but also offer visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of challenges and difficulties of dark places, often seen as a key part of the visitor experience and motive to places of tragedy.

Disrupting colonial myths and false truths: the educative power of narratives

Disrupting colonial myths and false truths: the educative power of narratives

Harnessing the power of empathy, visual art and patient narratives to improve health literacy: An exploratory study.

Health-related information can often be overwhelming for consumers, frequently infused with complex medical terminology that is difficult to understand and apply. Historically empathic connection, art and narratives have played key roles in communicating with diverse populations however collectively have received little recognition as a modality to improve health literacy. This study aimed to investigate the empathetic connection between art and patient narratives with a view to improve health literacy in the wider community. Nine recently discharged patients and one carer from a regional hospital were paired with 10 tertiary visual arts students for interview. Each narrative was transformed into visual art and exhibited at a community art gallery. The Empathy Quotient (EQ), Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and self-completed questionnaires assessed empathy and functional well-being. Health literacy was evaluated through community response surveys post-exhibition exposure. Student artist participants' EQ Cognitive Empathy (EQ-CE) scores were associated with 'Emotional Reactivity' (EQ-ER) (p = .038). SF-36 scores revealed that role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems had the greatest impact on patient/carer participant's life at the time. The SF-36 General Health domain was associated with the EQ-ER total score (p = .044). Exhibition surveys revealed that 96.9% of observers had learnt something new about illness or injury. SO WHAT?: Although a relatively small study, our findings suggest patient/carer narratives and visual art is a simple yet effective modality for health service organisations to facilitate affective learning and improve health literacy when engaging with consumers.

Saleem Speaks, the Nation Listens: A Historical and Literary Exploration of Child Narrators in Indo-Anglian Fiction

ABSTRACT While the use of child narrators or child focalization in Indian English adult fiction has slowly gained prominence since the publication of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, it remains an understudied and relatively under-theorized trope. This research paper seeks to trace the history and development of this motif, from its roots in ancient Indian literature to its contemporary manifestations. It examines how child-focalized adult novels offer a unique perspective on India’s cultural and political identity during and after independence, providing a valuable space to revisit and reexamine history. By examining key works and authors, including R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Salman Rushdie, and Arundhati Roy among others this study addresses the central question of how the child’s voice emerged as a powerful narrative force in Indo-Anglian novel. In doing so, it argues that the presence and centrality of the child narrator in Indian English adult fiction is a significant and innovative contribution to the genre.

Challenging the narrative: social work students’ views on the impact of service user and carer-led pedagogy to knowledge and practice

ABSTRACT Service user and carer involvement is firmly established as an integral part of social work education in the UK, with a growing body of evidence demonstrating its beneficial effects on student learning. Calls have been made to further develop its theoretical base and evaluate its impact on students’ future practice. This article contributes to these aims, by following a cohort of undergraduate UK-based social work students. Using a focus group, the research elicited the views of the students on how classroom-based learning by people with lived experience affected their learning and practice pre-qualification. The findings are underpinned by the theme of ‘challenging the narrative’. They assert the powerful effect service user narratives have on bringing issues ‘to life’ and challenging stereotypes, as well as affecting students’ practice. However, challenging the narrative also linked to students’ reflections on what counts as ‘legitimate’ and reliable knowledge and a disconnection between University-based learning and messages received in practice. The paper argues for an ongoing critical evaluation of the impact of pedagogy led by people with lived experience, with the dual aims of identifying what benefits student learning, as well as critically dissecting power, authority and knowledge.

The Narrative Power of Russian Foreign Intelligence

This study examines the narratives created and exploited by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in its official history. It views the official history as part of a broader campaign to influence domestic and foreign perceptions of the SVR, starting in the 1990s. The narratives are examined in terms of narrative power; namely, the ability to cause intended effects by creating a certain understanding of events. The study finds that the SVR substantiates a “derzhavniki master narrative” in which Russia is a great power that must continuously balance the power of other states and prevent these states from achieving relative gains. The SVR’s narratives integrate the history of foreign intelligence into the history of Russia. This integration has narrative power because a strong foreign intelligence service is both natural and legitimate in the derzhavniki narrative. The study moreover finds that the SVR deals with the KGB’s history of repression by portraying itself as a victim.

Talking about borderline personality disorder, shaping care: The multiple doings of narratives.

This article focuses on the narratives that circulate about borderline personality disorder (BPD) in health-care settings in Australia and the effects such narratives can have on how people practice and seek out care. People with a BPD diagnosis frequently access health-care services, often encountering stigma and discrimination. Drawing on narrative theory, we critically unpack the circulation and capacities of BPD narratives and the ways they can often contribute to poor and troubling experiences. This article is based on qualitative interviews with people living with a BPD diagnosis, as well as health practitioners who work with people with a BPD diagnosis. Our findings identified insidious and powerful BPD narratives that circulate in health-care settings, particularly in short-term, acute, or non-specialist contexts, such as emergency departments and in-patient units. These narratives influenced the ways that participants both practiced and sought out care. To improve health service quality for people with a BPD diagnosis, or those experiencing mental distress, it is important to challenge the sociocultural-political norms and relations that can influence approaches to care and practice. Disrupting and reframing negative BPD narratives and raising awareness about the impact of stories that are told about BPD have the potential to generate social change.

Hidden Flows: Hydropower and the Rhythms of Development on the Mekong

The Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Project entered operation in October 2019. After this the Mekong started to behave strangely—the water ran blue and clear instead of red and silty, and the great backflow of the river into Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake arrived off schedule or, at times, threatened to not arrive at all. Villagers who had remained ambivalent or apathetic about hydropower issues suddenly found themselves facing a radically altered world, where a seemingly distant power was able to dramatically alter the nature of their every day. These shifts introduced an arrhythmia into the hydroscape: ecological, fishing, and religious cycles adapted to a seasonal river were off sync with power demands. The radical alteration that dams make to the landscape, in the promise of irrigation, electrification, and the sheer feat of changing a river, are a tangible symbol of the state's power over its land. But with a deep look into hydropower projects—in this case, the dams across the midstream of the Mekong in Laos and China—the story grows more convoluted. Here are conflicting narratives of power: state-focused, international, and royalist; as well as religious, ecological, and hydrosocial. Here, too, as I found in my eight years of fieldwork in Lao-speaking Thailand, is an alteration in time, where the rhythms of the river change the rhythms of life, and where the cyclical riparian clock clashes with a future-oriented developmentalist notion of time.

Counterframing Truth? Interactions in Art and Justice in Post-Conflict Cambodia

ABSTRACT Authoritarian dynamics often produce a fundamental mismatch between what can be said publicly, and what is hidden and takes place out of plain sight. This raises the question: how do interactions between subordinates and the dominant shape artistic interventions in post-conflict Cambodia? This article explores the dialectical relationship between the public and the ‘hidden’ transcript in intergenerational art dialogues on the Khmer Rouge. It contends that interactions in art and justice create openings to circulate discourses, images, and meanings that differ from the public transcript, thereby, providing a means to defy the powerful and counterframe dominant narratives of the past.

Vulnerability and conspiracism in the United States from McCarthyism to Trumpism

This text offers an overview of conspiracism in the United States from the 1950s to the present. Even if contemporary conspiracy mongering extends certain practices and attitudes that were already well-known at the time of Richard Hofstadter’s classic study of the “paranoid style in American politics” (1964) and Robert Goldberg’s more recent study of “the culture of conspiracy in modern America” (2001, 2010), it also introduces new techniques by savvy strategists, such as Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, who exploit the economic vulnerability of many and the status loss anxiety of many others to destabilize the faculty of judgment of American citizens, increase polarization and suspicion between opposing camps, and weaken confidence in public institutions and democracy. This new conspiracism, we claim, serves to console the most vulnerable and turn the attention of the American public away from a forty-year social trend (conspiracy or not) which would be a neoliberal globalization that deepens inequalities and advances most often with total impunity to advance the interests of powerful deciders and loyalists—the first being to retain power and their control over narratives of power. The paper concludes with some recommendations for combatting this highly cynical and corrosive new conspiracism.