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Inclusive community in a diverse world: Pursuing an elusive goal through narrative‐based dialogue
Author(s) -
Rossing Boyd,
GlowackiDudka Michelle
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.1045
Subject(s) - narrative , distrust , cohesion (chemistry) , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , sociology , epistemology , action (physics) , inclusion (mineral) , aesthetics , social psychology , political science , psychology , social science , law , linguistics , philosophy , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
How can we create spaces for building relationships where people restore integrity and justice and create sustainable communities in the century ahead? This article explores the theoretical aspects of using narrative and dialogue in the process of community building and presents the results of a local experiment. Findings demonstrate the viability of this model, while experience in planning and conducting these dialogues reveals forces that emerge to shape the concept and practice and to take the effort in sometimes diverging directions. We explore two major tensions foreshadowed in theory and evident in our case. The first tension lies between a search for coherence in contemporary discourse and a postmodern distrust for the silencing of marginal voices when such coherence emerges. The second tension lies between viewing talk and action as integrally related in community building versus viewing talk and action in opposition: one promoting inclusion of diverse views, the other promoting cohesion and commitment. We conclude by highlighting the strengths of this model while acknowledging both limitations and alternative directions that may emerge. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.