Using storytelling in Ubuntu-inspired research to explore the experiences of black Brit-ish academics in England /
This case study concerns the use of one-to-one storytelling inspired by Ubuntu philosophy as a research method. Ubuntu is a Bantu, Nguni (African) philosophy that is encapsulated in the saying, "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am." This inspired the use of one-to-one sto...
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
London :
SAGE Publications Ltd,
2024.
|
| Series: | SAGE Research methods: diversifying and decolonizing research.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Connect to the full text of this electronic book |
| Summary: | This case study concerns the use of one-to-one storytelling inspired by Ubuntu philosophy as a research method. Ubuntu is a Bantu, Nguni (African) philosophy that is encapsulated in the saying, "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am." This inspired the use of one-to-one storytelling as a method, as it provided space for constructing knowledge in a relational way. The work of the researcher was to engage with the storyteller and draw connections and contradictions between the stories shared and their own narrative and, through this, reflect the essence of Ubuntu. The method was used to develop intergenerational narratives about the lived experiences of Black Brit-ish academics. The term Brit-ish is purposefully hyphenated to show the complexity of Black British identity. Two 1-hour storytelling sessions were held with 19 Black Brit-ish academics who had worked in Higher Education (HE) in England. With one exception, these face-to-face sessions were conducted online. The first introductory session set out the research intentions and invited storytelling through objects. The second, more reflective session ended with a free writing activity. As a Black Zimbabwean Brit-ish academic, the researcher incorporated an auto-ethnographic element through a reflective journal, making them the 20th contributor to the study. Consistent with this Ubuntu-inspired research methodology, the journal will be included in the data analysis. Our discussion below will focus on only the methodology and not the data analysis, which is as yet incomplete. |
|---|---|
| Physical Description: | 1 online resource. |
| ISBN: | 9781529683684 1529683688 |