Short Stories for Social Research : Exploring the Possibilities of Social Fiction

This innovative volume focuses on social fiction as both a methodological tool and a research product. Drawing on original stories and social theories, this diverse group of authors offers their perspectives to provide a practical guide for developing skills in utilizing social fiction throughout the research process, from study design to the delivery of research outcomes. While many authors share original works of social fiction in their chapters, others focus on the value of stories, particularly when stories are sacred and cannot be shared in full. Across these approaches, the book broadens the definition of social fiction and demonstrates its power to reimagine research and knowledge-making. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of the relationship between social fiction and research, encouraging researchers to draw on insights from various disciplines. This interdisciplinary book is for novice and seasoned researchers alike who can recognize the potential of social fiction, as well as scholars and students in the social sciences, the humanities, Indigenous studies, and education who use qualitative research in their work. By engaging with this text, readers can develop critical skills in crafting narratives, integrating social theories, and applying fiction as a methodological tool.