Bochner, Arthur

Definition

Arthur Bochner is a prominent figure in performance studies and autoethnography, known for his contributions that emphasize personal narrative and the intertwining of self and culture in research. His work highlights how storytelling and personal experiences can serve as valid research methods, pushing boundaries in qualitative research and inviting others to explore their own identities within a broader cultural context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bochner advocates for the use of personal narrative as a legitimate form of research, arguing that individual stories can provide deep insights into cultural contexts.
2. His approach encourages researchers to engage emotionally with their subjects, fostering a connection between the researcher and the audience.
3. Arthur Bochner's work has significantly shaped the field of autoethnography by promoting the idea that research can be both scholarly and artistic.
4. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conveying complex human experiences, making it accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.
5. Bochner's influence extends beyond academic circles, impacting fields like education, communication studies, and cultural studies.

Review Questions

• How does Arthur Bochner's approach to autoethnography challenge traditional research methods?
  • Arthur Bochner's approach challenges traditional research methods by integrating personal narratives into the research process. He argues that individual stories can reveal deeper cultural insights, shifting the focus from objective data collection to subjective understanding. This method allows researchers to connect emotionally with their subjects, enriching the research experience and making it more relatable to audiences.
• Discuss the implications of Bochner's emphasis on storytelling for the practice of reflexivity in qualitative research.
  • Bochner's emphasis on storytelling enhances the practice of reflexivity by encouraging researchers to examine their own narratives and how these shape their understanding of their subjects. By recognizing their biases and experiences, researchers can create a more nuanced analysis that respects the complexity of human experiences. This reflective practice fosters authenticity in research, allowing for richer interpretations that acknowledge both researcher and participant perspectives.
• Evaluate how Arthur Bochner’s contributions have influenced contemporary qualitative research methodologies beyond autoethnography.
  • Arthur Bochner's contributions have significantly influenced contemporary qualitative research methodologies by broadening the scope of acceptable research practices. His advocacy for integrating personal narratives has led to a greater appreciation for diverse storytelling forms within qualitative frameworks. This shift encourages researchers across various fields—such as education and communication—to adopt narrative inquiry approaches that prioritize emotional engagement and personal context, ultimately enriching scholarly dialogue and expanding methodological possibilities.

Related terms

Autoethnography:

A research method that combines autobiography and ethnography, allowing researchers to use personal experience to understand cultural phenomena.

Narrative Inquiry: A qualitative research approach that focuses on the stories of individuals, emphasizing how these narratives reflect their experiences and identities.

Reflexivity:

The practice of reflecting on one's own biases, beliefs, and experiences in the research process, acknowledging how these factors influence understanding and interpretation.