Arthur Bochner

Definition

Arthur Bochner is a prominent scholar in the field of Performance Studies, known for his contributions to autoethnography and personal narrative. His work emphasizes the significance of personal experiences and storytelling in understanding cultural and social contexts, highlighting how these narratives can transform research into a performance art form. Bochner's approach encourages researchers to reflect on their own lives as a way to engage with broader social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bochner is well-known for advocating the use of personal narrative as a means to conduct research that resonates on an emotional level with audiences.
2. His work highlights the intersection of autobiography and social critique, encouraging researchers to share their stories as a way to challenge dominant narratives.
3. Bochner has published extensively on topics related to autoethnography, narrative inquiry, and the role of performance in everyday life.
4. He emphasizes reflexivity in research, urging scholars to consider how their identities and experiences shape their understanding of the world.
5. Bochner's influence extends beyond academia; his ideas have impacted various fields including sociology, communication, and education by promoting storytelling as a vital component of knowledge production.

Review Questions

• How does Arthur Bochner's approach to autoethnography enhance our understanding of personal narrative in research?
  • Arthur Bochner's approach enhances our understanding by emphasizing that personal narratives are not just subjective stories but essential tools for engaging with broader cultural and social issues. He argues that researchers should use their own experiences to provide insight into larger societal concerns, making research more relatable and impactful. This perspective allows for a deeper emotional connection between the researcher and the audience, ultimately transforming academic work into a form of performance.
• In what ways does Bochner’s work challenge traditional notions of objectivity in qualitative research?
  • Bochner’s work challenges traditional notions of objectivity by advocating for reflexivity, where researchers acknowledge their biases and personal experiences as part of the research process. By integrating personal narratives into academic inquiry, he contests the idea that research must be detached and neutral. Instead, he argues that subjectivity can enrich understanding and provide valuable insights into human behavior and social phenomena.
• Critically evaluate the implications of Bochner’s contributions to Performance Studies for contemporary research methodologies.
  • Bochner's contributions have significant implications for contemporary research methodologies as they encourage scholars to embrace narrative as a legitimate form of knowledge production. By promoting autoethnography, he challenges researchers to consider how storytelling can be used to convey complex social realities. This shift towards incorporating personal experience into academic work fosters inclusivity and diversity in research outputs, allowing for a richer understanding of human experiences across different cultures. As such, his ideas continue to inspire new ways of thinking about how we approach qualitative research.

Related terms

Autoethnography: A qualitative research method that combines autobiography and ethnography, allowing researchers to explore their personal experiences while reflecting on cultural and social contexts.

Narrative Inquiry: A research methodology that focuses on the stories individuals tell about their lives, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives in understanding human experiences.

Performance Studies: An interdisciplinary field that examines the role of performance in various contexts, including theater, dance, everyday life, and cultural practices.