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Strategic uses of narrative in the presentation of self and illness: A research note

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  • Riessman, Catherine Kohler

Abstract

Using Goffman's theory and the methods of narrative analysis, the paper examines the divorce account of a white working-class man with advanced multiple sclerosis to show how he constructs a definition of his divorcing situation, and a positive masculine identity, despite massive disability. He accomplishes this positive self through narrative retelling of key events in his biography, healing discontinuities by the way he structures his account in interaction with the listener. The strategic choice of genre, or forms of narrative, guides the impression we form of him. From this case study, I show the usefulness of close textual analysis of biographical accounts of illness.

Suggested Citation

  • Riessman, Catherine Kohler, 1990. "Strategic uses of narrative in the presentation of self and illness: A research note," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 1195-1200, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:30:y:1990:i:11:p:1195-1200
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    Cited by:

    1. Nakata, Cheryl & Sharp, Lisa K. & Spanjol, Jelena & Cui, Anna Shaojie & Izberk-Bilgin, Elif & Crawford, Stephanie Y. & Xiao, Yazhen, 2021. "Narrative arcs and shaping influences in long-term medication adherence," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    2. Weckesser, Annalise & Denny, Elaine, 2017. "Re-working biographies: Women's narratives of pregnancy whilst living with epilepsy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 110-117.
    3. Radley, Alan & Mayberry, John & Pearce, Melanie, 2008. "Time, space and opportunity in the outpatient consultation: 'The doctor's story'," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(7), pages 1484-1496, April.
    4. Jeanette Skoglund & Renee Thørnblad, 2024. "“Vulnerability” and Its Unintended Consequences," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-10, May.
    5. Rhodes, Tim & Watts, Louise & Davies, Sarah & Martin, Anthea & Smith, Josie & Clark, David & Craine, Noel & Lyons, Marion, 2007. "Risk, shame and the public injector: A qualitative study of drug injecting in South Wales," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(3), pages 572-585, August.
    6. Pannini, Elisa, 2023. "Winning a battle against the odds: a cleaners’ campaign," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 112569, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    7. Cheryl Nakata & Elif Izberk-Bilgin & Lisa Sharp & Jelena Spanjol & Anna Shaojie Cui & Stephanie Y. Crawford & Yazhen Xiao, 2019. "Chronic illness medication compliance: a liminal and contextual consumer journey," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 192-215, March.
    8. Menkes, David B. & Davison, Mary P. & Costello, Shaun A. & Jaye, Chrystal, 2005. "Stereotactic radiosurgery: the patient's experience," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(11), pages 2561-2573, June.
    9. Tomkow, Louise, 2020. "Health and hostile hospitality: Understanding asylum applicants’ narratives of life and health in the UK," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    10. Richardson, Jane C. & Ong, Bie Nio & Sim, Julius, 2006. "Is chronic widespread pain biographically disruptive?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(6), pages 1573-1585, September.
    11. Næss, Anders & Fjær, Eivind Grip & Vabø, Mia, 2016. "The assisted presentations of self in nursing home life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 153-159.
    12. Paul Atkinson, 2009. "Illness Narratives Revisited: The Failure of Narrative Reductionism," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 14(5), pages 196-205, November.

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