Before, beside and after (beyond) the biographical narrative

More about the book

The ESREA Life History and Biography Network has been a significant forum for researchers across Europe and beyond since its inception in 1994. It fosters collaboration among newcomers and seasoned scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, facilitating influential publications and major research projects. Recent explorations have highlighted under-researched areas such as the body and wisdom, alongside growing interests in emotions, interdisciplinary research, and the dynamics of agency and structure. Recognizing the distinct schools of practice and national boundaries within life history and biography research, the organizers of the 2014 conference aim to bridge these divides, including linguistic barriers that limit discourse. This collection of papers focuses on the essence of biographical narratives, emphasizing the importance of what precedes and follows these narratives in research. The title "Before, Beside and After the Biographical Narrative" invites discussion on the unseen elements that shape biographical processes, encouraging reflection on aspects like voice, bodily expression, relationships, and unconscious processes. By examining these dimensions, the volume seeks to deepen the theoretical and epistemological understanding of biographical research practices and narratives.