Narrative Democracy: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
Narrative Democracy: Etymology/Term:
The term “Narrative Democracy” combines the concept of storytelling or narratives with the principles of democracy. It emphasizes the idea that various perspectives and voices contribute to the democratic process through the sharing and exchange of stories, allowing for a more inclusive and diverse representation of societal experiences.
Meanings and Concept:
- Inclusive Storytelling: Narrative democracy encourages the inclusion of a wide range of narratives, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in shaping public discourse.
- Democratic Participation: It underscores the notion that storytelling is not only a means of personal expression but also a fundamental aspect of democratic participation, influencing decision-making processes.
- Diverse Perspectives: The concept promotes the recognition and respect for diverse perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of complex societal issues.
- Empowerment through Storytelling: Narrative democracy suggests that storytelling has the power to empower individuals and communities by giving them a platform to express their experiences, concerns, and aspirations within the democratic framework.
- Public Discourse and Policy Formation: By incorporating a multitude of narratives, narrative democracy aims to enrich public discourse and contribute to more informed and equitable policy formation within democratic societies.
Narrative Democracy: Definition of a Theoretical Term
Narrative Democracy is a theoretical concept that merges storytelling with democratic principles, emphasizing the integral role of narratives in shaping democratic processes. It posits that a diverse range of stories contributes to a more inclusive and representative democratic discourse. This theoretical framework underscores the significance of narratives in influencing democratic participation, fostering diverse perspectives, and empowering individuals within the democratic structure.
Narrative Democracy: Theorists, Works and Argument
Theorists:
- Walter Fisher: Known for his work on narrative paradigm theory, Fisher argues that humans are inherently storytelling beings, and narratives play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and decision-making processes.
- Michael Schudson: Schudson explores the relationship between journalism and democracy, highlighting the importance of narratives in informing public opinion and contributing to a well-functioning democratic society.
Works:
- “Narrative and the Cultural Psychology of Identity” by Dan P. McAdams: This work delves into the psychological aspects of narrative, emphasizing how individuals construct their identities through storytelling, which can have implications for democratic engagement.
- “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” by Thomas Kuhn: While not explicitly about narrative democracy, Kuhn’s work on paradigm shifts in science has influenced the understanding of how narratives shape collective beliefs and influence societal change.
Argument:
- Narrative democracy argues that storytelling is not merely a form of entertainment but a fundamental aspect of democratic participation, influencing public opinion, policy discourse, and decision-making.
- It posits that a multiplicity of narratives from diverse voices contributes to a richer and more representative democratic process, fostering inclusivity and understanding among citizens.
- Advocates of narrative democracy contend that a society that values and integrates various stories is better equipped to address complex issues, promote empathy, and sustain a robust democratic framework.
Narrative Democracy: Major Characteristics
- Diverse Voices and Perspectives: Narrative democracy emphasizes the inclusion of a variety of voices and perspectives in the storytelling process, ensuring a more comprehensive representation of societal experiences.
- Example: In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun,” the novel provides multiple perspectives on the Nigerian Civil War, illustrating the importance of diverse narratives in understanding historical events.
- Democratic Participation through Storytelling: The concept underscores the idea that storytelling is not only a means of personal expression but also a form of democratic participation, enabling individuals to contribute to the collective narrative of society.
- Example: The “Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin Gruwell and her students showcases how personal narratives can empower individuals to engage in democratic processes, fostering social change through shared stories.
- Influence on Public Discourse and Decision-Making: Narrative democracy argues that narratives play a significant role in shaping public discourse, influencing public opinion, and contributing to informed decision-making within democratic societies.
- Example: George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” uses allegory to convey a narrative about political power, influencing readers’ perceptions and contributing to discussions on governance and societal structures.
- Empowerment and Identity Construction: The concept suggests that storytelling empowers individuals and communities by providing a platform for self-expression and contributing to the construction of personal and collective identities.
- Example: In Julia Alvarez’s “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents,” the narrative explores the experiences of Dominican-American sisters, highlighting how storytelling shapes their identities in the context of cultural and societal changes.
- Promotion of Informed and Equitable Policies: Narrative democracy posits that incorporating diverse narratives enriches public discourse, contributing to the formulation of more informed and equitable policies within democratic systems.
- Example: Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” addresses societal issues through a narrative lens, contributing to discussions on social justice and influencing perspectives on policy matters.
Narrative Democracy: Relevance in Literary Theories
| Literary Theory | Relevance of Narrative Democracy |
| Feminist Literary Theory | Recognizes the importance of diverse women’s narratives and experiences, contributing to a more inclusive representation of gender perspectives. |
| Postcolonial Literary Theory | Advocates for the inclusion of multiple narratives from different cultural backgrounds, challenging dominant colonial narratives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of postcolonial societies. |
| Reader-Response Theory | Emphasizes the role of readers in interpreting and constructing meaning from texts. Narrative democracy aligns with this theory by acknowledging the diversity of reader perspectives and interpretations. |
| Cultural Studies | Promotes the exploration of narratives from various cultural contexts, contributing to a richer understanding of cultural dynamics and challenging ethnocentric viewpoints. |
| Postmodern Literary Theory | Aligns with the postmodern emphasis on multiplicity and deconstruction of grand narratives, suggesting that a democratic approach to storytelling accommodates diverse and fragmented narratives. |
| Critical Race Theory | Highlights the importance of narratives that address racial experiences and inequalities, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices and challenging dominant racial narratives. |
| Queer Theory | Recognizes the significance of diverse LGBTQ+ narratives in challenging heteronormativity and promoting a more inclusive representation of sexual identities. |
Narrative democracy, by valuing diverse voices and perspectives, resonates with various literary theories that aim to broaden the scope of representation and challenge dominant or exclusionary narratives within the realm of literature and critical analysis.
Narrative Democracy: Application in Critiques
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Application of Narrative Democracy: Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcases the importance of diverse voices, particularly through the lens of racial injustice. By incorporating various perspectives, the novel challenges prevailing societal norms and contributes to a more inclusive understanding of the complexities surrounding race and morality.
- One Hundred Years of Solitude
- Application of Narrative Democracy: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” weaves a tapestry of diverse narratives, reflecting the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family. This narrative approach aligns with the principles of narrative democracy by offering a rich portrayal of different characters and experiences, contributing to a more comprehensive exploration of societal and historical themes.
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Application of Narrative Democracy: Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” delves into a dystopian world where various women’s voices are suppressed. A narrative democracy critique could emphasize the significance of empowering diverse female voices in literature, highlighting how the novel critiques a society that silences and controls narratives.
- Beloved
- Application of Narrative Democracy: Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” incorporates a range of narrative styles and voices to tell the story of Sethe and her haunting past. A narrative democracy critique would applaud Morrison’s commitment to representing African-American experiences and histories, challenging dominant narratives and contributing to a more inclusive portrayal of American literature.
In each case, the application of narrative democracy in the critique emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives, challenging dominant narratives, and contributing to a more inclusive understanding of societal issues within the context of the respective novels.
Narrative Democracy: Relevant Terms
| Term | Brief Definition |
| Inclusivity | Embracing diverse voices and perspectives. |
| Participatory Narrative | Engaging individuals in the storytelling process. |
| Pluralism | Recognition and acceptance of multiple viewpoints. |
| Empowerment | Granting individuals the ability to influence through narratives. |
| Intersectionality | Acknowledging the interconnectedness of various social identities. |
| Collective Storytelling | Collaborative creation of narratives within a community. |
| Critical Dialogue | Open discussion and analysis of narratives for societal reflection. |
| Cultural Pluralism | Celebrating and valuing various cultural narratives. |
| Perspective-sharing | Exchanging viewpoints for a more comprehensive understanding. |
| Subaltern Voices | Amplifying marginalized or underrepresented narratives. |
Narrative Democracy: Suggested Readings
- Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Half of a Yellow Sun. Anchor Books, 2007.
- Fisher, Walter R. Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action. University of South Carolina Press, 1987.
- Gruwell, Erin, and Freedom Writers. The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. Broadway Books, 2009.
- Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
- Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien Anos de Soledad). Harper Perennial, 2006.
- Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage, 2004.
- Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet Classic, 1996.
- Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things. Random House, 1997.
- Schudson, Michael. Discovering the News: A Social History of American Newspapers. Basic Books, 1981.