The narrative self in autobiographical accounts of illness

Author(s): Dickinson, H.

Journal/Book: Sociol Rev. 1997; 45: 108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, Oxon, England OX4 1JF. Blackwell Publ Ltd. 254-278.

Abstract: The paper analyzes autobiographical accounts of the experience of chronic illness and its treatment to develop a sociological theory of the self. It is suggested that 'self' is not a biologistic or psychologistic thing. Rather self is autobiographical narrative - hence the narrative self. It is argued that four elements constitute such narrative selves in autobiographical discourse: evaluative relationships between events in time; cosmology; power relationships; and conceptualisation of self as abject.

Note: Article Kelly MP, Univ Greenwich, Sch Social Sci, London SE18 6PF, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): BIOGRAPHY; SOCIOLOGY

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