Narrative Power: The Struggle for Human Value

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2019
Publisher: Polity Press

Narratives hold immense importance as the cornerstone of nations, playing a vital role in animating life, sustaining culture, and nurturing humanity. They wield regulatory and empowering forces, bringing both joy and discontent to our lives. Moreover, narratives are intricately intertwined with power, as stories shape power, and power, in turn, shapes the narrative.

In his groundbreaking work,Ken Plummer delves into the profound dimensions of narrative power. Central to his exploration is the concept of "narratives of suffering," which he examines through transformative narrative actions across various media forms. The modern world faces a crisis, with long-standing narratives being challenged in five significant ways: deep inequalities, global state complexities, digital risks, the perennial puzzle of truth, and the ever-present contingencies of time.

Plummer poses the crucial question of how we can cultivate sustainable stories for a brighter future. He advocates for the cultivation of narrative hope, wisdom, and humanity, recognizing the need to transcend the limitations of traditional narratives. Narrative Power offers a novel framework for inquiry, presents a wealth of innovative ideas, and sets a transformative agenda for research and action.

Through his insightful analysis and thought-provoking ideas, Plummer invites us to reimagine the power of narratives and their potential to shape a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world. This book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between power, narratives, and the future of our societies.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 196 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509517039