Why Autoethnography?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v23i2.2027

Keywords:

autoethnograpy

Abstract

Autoethnography addresses the need and desire to make the human sciences more human by writing in ways that are more poignant, touching, vulnerable, and heartfelt. Since social work is a field not only of facts but also of meanings and values, researchers should not be obliged to cling to a narrow range of methodologies and writing genres that may be scientifically acceptable but poorly suited to the broad objectives of the field. Concerned more with evocation than information, autoethnography enables researchers and practitioners to address what it feels like, and what it can mean, to be alive and living in a chaotic and uncertain world, and to show others how they might endure it and move forward. As we developed evocative autoethnography, we not only questioned the boundaries between social sciences and humanities, we tried to stretch and cross them in ways that would create new practitioners and new genres for representing lived experience appealing to the hearts and senses of readers as well as their intellects.

Author Biographies

Arthur P Bochner, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida

Arthur P. Bochner is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida and an NCA Distinguished Scholar.  His 2014 book, Coming to Narrative, and 2016 book, Evocative Autoethnography (with Carolyn Ellis) received international and national best book awards.

Carolyn Ellis, Distinguished University Professor Emerita, University of South Florida

Carolyn Ellis is Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of South Florida. She has established an international reputation for her contributions to autoethnography and the narrative study of human life. 

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Published

2022-12-05

How to Cite

Bochner, A. P., & Ellis, C. (2022). Why Autoethnography?. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 23(2), 8-18. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v23i2.2027