Are we afraid of our selves? Self-narrative research in leisure studies

Abstract

During the past decade, leisure scholars have started becoming more comfortable with applying to their work newer approaches to knowledge and research methodologies, many of which are being utilized in other social sciences. Self-narrative research, or autoethnography, is a form of inquiry that raises questions regarding separations and interactions of personal and professional identities. While personal narrative research has been in use since the 1980s, we argue that it remains unfamiliar and/or personally and professionally threatening to many leisure scholars. This article builds from leisure scholars' recent discussions on the influence of poststructuralism, narrative inquiry, and the need for reflexive methodologies within leisure research. We extend this discussion one step further, highlighting the need for self-narrative research in leisure. We then outline the ensuing benefits and ethical ramifications of such research, which we believe is capable of making unique contributions to leisure studies.

Keywords:

• autoethnography
• self-narrative research
• personal narrative research
• leisure research
• narrative inquiry
• scholarship