Coming to Narrative

This book examines the evolution of human sciences through personal and academic narratives, highlighting shifts towards qualitative inquiry and meaning-making. Coming to Narrative offers rich insights.

In Coming to Narrative, Arthur P. Bochner intricately weaves together autoethnography and theoretical analysis to explore the evolution of human sciences over the last forty years. Drawing from his extensive 50-year career in academia, Bochner reflects on both his personal and professional journeys, highlighting how these experiences mirror significant paradigm shifts in the field, particularly the transition towards narrative forms of inquiry. His insights reveal the dynamic interplay between theory and lived experience, providing a rich context for understanding the human sciences today.

The author examines how disciplines such as interpersonal communication, family studies, and communication theory have transformed from being primarily focused on prediction and control to embracing interpretive methodologies that prioritize meaning-making. By engaging with the works of influential thinkers like Bateson, Laing, and Goffman, Bochner illustrates the profound impact these theoretical contributions have had on the field's development. His narrative approach not only makes complex ideas accessible but also invites readers to consider their own stories within the academic discourse.

Coming to Narrative is not just an exploration of theory; it is a personal account that reflects the broader social and historical contexts influencing the evolution of human sciences. Through a blend of storytelling and scholarly insight, Bochner encourages readers to appreciate the richness of qualitative inquiry and the power of narrative in understanding human experience.