Narrative And Social Control

What is the relationship between narrative, society and the forms of control that function in society? This critical analysis examines the role of narrative in the creation of various social realities.

The central theme is that narrative is a pervasive form of human communication integral to the production and shaping of social order. Each chapter provides both a theoretical framework and an examination of narratives in a range of communication contexts - interpersonal, small group, organizational and mass media - illustrating the far-reaching impact of narrative on our lives and social organizations.

"Readers will find Dennis K. Mumby's collection most useful for the connections it establishes between narrative analysis, in social setting and postmodern light. . . .What is important about this book is the range of projects presented using narrative to examine issues of power and control." --Discourse and Society What is the relationship between narrative, society, and the forms of control that function in society? This critical analysis examines the role of narrative in the creation of various social realities in a variety of communication contexts. The central theme of Narrative and Social Control is that narrative is a pervasive form of human communication that is integral to the production and shaping of social order. Each chapter provides both a theoretical framework and an examination of narratives in a range of communication contexts--interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass mediated--illustrating the far-reaching impact of narrative on our lives and social organizations. This critical perspective is essential reading for scholars, students, and professionals in communication studies, organization studies, family studies, cultural studies, sociology, political science, peace studies, anthropology, philosophy, and gender studies.

Dennis K. Mumby (Ph.D. and M.S., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; B.A., Sheffield Hallam University [UK]) has research interests focusing on critical and postmodern approaches to the connections among power, discourse, gender, and identity in organizational settings. Prior to joining UNC in 2002, he's held positions at Purdue University, Arizona State University, Rutgers University, and St. Cloud State University. He is widely published in journals and books (many with SAGE) is currently under contract with SAGE to co-edit a book on organizational communication theories. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his teaching and his research from both universities and professional academic associations.