The Social Construction of Everyday Political Narratives: Interaction, Influence, and Meaning-Making

• In Event: 20420 - Section on Sociology of Culture Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 8: Narratives

Abstract

This study examines how socio-political narratives emerge, evolve, and spread, emphasizing their role as meaning-making frameworks that shape individual and collective understandings of political and social issues. Narratives are not merely collections of facts but incorporate personal experiences, contextual nuances, and ideological beliefs that influence perceptions of power, resource distribution, and responsibility. Through research conducted in India, this study explores how narratives are shaped by relational dynamics rather than existing solely as ideologically fixed entities. Findings show that narrative construction is an emergent process influenced by ongoing political events, social positions, and interactions within communities. Contrary to assumptions that individuals primarily adopt narratives aligned with their pre-existing beliefs, this research highlights how narratives are negotiated in response to social exchanges and shifting contexts.

Author

• Monika Yadav, Columbia University