Bumps, Leaks, and Violent Clashes: Narrative Inquiry, Critical Race Theory, and Restorying Narratives

• In Event: Narrative Theories and Methodologies

Abstract

This paper is an examination of the conceptual and methodological borderlands between narrative inquiry (NI) and critical race theory (CRT) as it relates to the study of anti-oppressive teaching. We begin with a review of NI scholarship that focuses on experiences of institutionalized oppression. The tension between respecting teachers experience as a source of knowledge and acknowledging we can be conditioned not to see our own participation in systems of oppression is philosophically examined. We then examine two specific tenets of CRT that might help work within this tension: racial realism and counterstorytelling. The paper examines how these tenets can enhance our ability to recognize and learn from experiential bumps while retaining the distinctive character of narrative inquiry research.

Authors

• Alexander B Pratt, University of Oregon

• Jerry L. Rosiek, University of Oregon