Cultural narrative analysis as an interpretive research method

Donileen R. Loseke and Carley Geiss

Chapter 15 in Handbook of Interpretive Research Methods in the Social Sciences, 2025, pp 226-241 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Cultural narratives are important and consequential meaning-making resources yet are largely understudied by social researchers. This chapter focuses on designing, implementing, and communicating research on cultural narratives. We first define the concept of “cultural narratives” and the kinds of empirical questions raised by such stories. Second, we locate such research within epistemological (constructionist) and theoretical (interpretive) frameworks. Third, we consider how data should be analyzed, and address the methods of close reading, data contextualization, and data categorization. Fourth, we provide tips on communicating study findings in ways that encourage readers to evaluate research as sound and worthwhile. Finally, we conclude with the example of the “service-worthy client” to demonstrate the content, uses, and consequences of cultural narratives in human service provision. By directing attention to cultural narratives, researchers gain opportunities to advance interpretive theories and methods as well as to address practical concerns.

Keywords: Culture; Narrative; Narrative research; Social service provision; Emotion code; Symbolic code (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781803926384
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