Article published In:
Narrative InquiryVol. 24:1 (2014) ► pp.96–112
How are alternative stories created in a self-help group?
Applying positioning analysis to narrative practice
The aim of this article is to reveal how alternative stories and identities are constructed through narrative practice in a self-help group. An analysis using the concept of positioning was conducted with a SHG for the parents facing their children’s delinquency. I use data that were collected in the framework of participant observation and interviews with group members. The results show that parents were describing themselves in two manners: in relation to social discourse and in relation to an emerging group narrative. The group narrative provides support for parents trying to break free from their negative position as imposed by the dominant social discourse. Another important piece of the construction of alternative stories is the positioning that differentiates the past self from the present self. Thereby, the parents acquire a position from which they can criticize the social discourse that was part of the foundation of the past self.
References
Bamberg, M
(1997) Positioning between structure and performance. Journal of Narrative and Life History, 71, 335–342. 
(2011) Who am I? Narration and its contribution to self and identity. Theory & Psychology, 21(1), 3–24.
Bamberg, M., De Fina, A., & Schiffrin, D
(2011) Discourse and identity construction. In K. Luyckx, S. Schwartz & V. Vignoles (Eds.), Handbook of identity theory and research (pp. 177–199). Berlin: Springer.
Bamberg, M., & Georgakopoulou, A
(2008) Small stories as a new perspective in narrative and identity analysis. Text & Talk, 281, 377–396.
Davies, B., & Harré, R
(1990) Positioning: The discursive production of selves. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 20(1), 43–63.
Davis, D.R., & Jansen, G.G
(1998) Making meaning of alchololics anonymous for social workers: Myths metaphors, and realities. Social Work, 43(2), 169–182.
De Fina, A
(2013) Positioning level 3: Connecting local identity displays to macro social processes. Narrative Inquiry, 23(1), 40–61.
Georgakopoulou, A
(2013) Building iterativity into positioning analysis: A practice-based approach to small stories and self. Narrative Inquiry, 23(1), 89–110.
Hikou to mukiauoyatatinokai
(2006) “Juvenile delinquency”: Parents, teacher and family court investigators narrate present children. Tokyo: Shinkagakusyuppansha.
Humphreys, K
(2000) Community narratives and personal stories in alcoholics anonymous. Journal of Community Psychology, 281, 495–506.
Kats, A.H
(1993) Self-help in America: A social movement perspective. New York: Twayne Publishers.
Kitamura, A., & Nochi, M
(2014) Narrative shifts on the part of parents dealing with their children’s “delinquency”: Alternative stories in a self-help group. Japanese Journal of Qualitative Psychology, 131, 116–133.
Kubo, H., & Ishikawa, T
(Eds.) (1998) Theory and development of Self-help group: Practice in Japan. Tokyo: Tyuouhouki.
Mankowski, E., & Rappaport, J
(2000) Narrative concepts and analysis in spiritually based communities. Journal of Community Psychology, 281, 479–493.
Rappaport, J
(1993) Narrative studies, personal stories, and identity transformation in the mutual help context. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 291, 239–256.
(1995) Empowerment meets narrative: Listening to stories and creating settings. American Journal of Community Psychology, 23(5), 795–807.
(2000) Community narratives: Tales of terror and joy. American Journal of Community Psychology, 281, 1–24.
Ussher, J., Kirsten, L., Butow, P., & Sandoval, M
(2006) What do cancer groups provide which other supportive relationships do not? The experience of peer support groups for people with cancer. Social Science & Medicine, 621, 2565–2576.
York, P., York, D., & Wachtel, T
(1982) Toughlove. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
Cited by
Cited by 2 other publications
Dunn, Cynthia Dickel
2017. Personal Narratives and Self-Transformation in Postindustrial Societies. Annual Review of Anthropology 46:1 ► pp. 65 ff. 
Hagström, Anneli Silvén
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 5 april 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.