Expanding the Edges of Narrative Inquiry

“Written by a blend of academic veterans and emerging scholars who work in the field of peace and social justice studies, Expanding the Edges of Narrative Enquiry is an important new contribution to the academic literature on storytelling and the powerful impact this discipline has in local communities.” -- Christopher Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College and Chair of the Arthur Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice
"As Jessica Senehi notes, storytelling empowers people to act to build and reshape their culture by sharing knowledge and negotiating group identity while creating a sense of who they are and where they come from. This edited collection notes that storytelling is at the very core of peacemaking and peacebuilding. It is a book that will be read by students, scholars, policymakers, and those interested in the regenerative and transcultural power of constructive storytelling." -- Sean Byrne, University of Manitoba
“From the opening chapter’s answer to the question ‘Why Storytelling?’ to the concluding remarks claiming narratives have the power to ‘unearth unrecognized streams of meaning’ and ‘humanize one another,’ these chapters of original research will enhance readers’ understanding of the rich mosaic of the human experience. This edited volume from scholars associated with the highly regarded Mauro Institute is an important and compelling contribution to scholars in peace and conflict studies, as well as to anyone who wants to share heartfelt stories of the many ways ‘social systems, cultures and situations impact a person’ and contribute to our mysterious life journey.” -- Neil H. Katz, Nova Southeastern University
“Expanding the Edges of Narrative Enquiry is timely in presenting the application of storytelling methodologies for use within the complex arenas of conflict at the edge of gender, race and ethnicity, identity, and culture. Through the use of narrative, arts, photography, poetry, and theater, we hear the voices of those experiencing violence within the context of war, sex trafficking, and prostitution; we also hear the voices of those engaging the disruptive, divisive, and painful conflicts present within communities and social structures. We hear the brutality of violence while we also hear the hope that comes from facing conflict, building relationships, claiming voice, and committing to change. “ -- Cathryne Schmitz, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
“This is without doubt a timely and state-of-the-art account. Fresh and vibrant with case studies and impressive for its conceptual innovation and analytic depth, this book needs to be read by all who wish to understand the exciting new frontiers of transformative peacebuilding.” -- Tom Woodhouse, University of Bradford
“Expanding the Edges of Narrative Enquiry is an excellent resource for methodological innovation in the field of peace and conflict studies. Each chapter explores issues important to peace and conflict studies using cutting edge research strategies and/or forms of research dissemination. As a whole, this book illustrates the value of storytelling by showing how narrative enriches the development of theory and practice in the field.” -- Anna Snyder, Menno Simons College