Life Narratives

Life Narratives refer to the personal stories individuals construct and share to give meaning to their experiences, identity, and place in society. These narratives are shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts, reflecting how individuals interpret significant life events, relationships, and societal roles. In sociology, life narratives are studied to understand how people make sense of their lives, navigate social structures, and express agency within cultural constraints. They also reveal patterns of social inequality, as access to resources and opportunities influences the stories individuals can tell about their lives. Life narratives are used in qualitative research, such as life history or narrative analysis, to explore identity formation, memory, and the interplay between individual and collective experiences.