Call for Papers: HW Vol 24, No 70 (2025): „Stories that unite, stories that divide"

Narrative researchers believe that human activity and experience are filled with meaning and that stories, not logical arguments, are the vehicle with which this meaning is passed farther. Therefore, narrative can be understood not only as a story conveying information and knowledge, but also as a way of understanding oneself and the world. Several years ago, it was wondered whether the universality of the category of narrative in the social sciences and humanities was a passing fad or a manifestation of a permanent tendency. Today, we can confidently say that narrative research in the world and in Poland has consolidated its position, but it also requires opening to new horizons and reflection on its limitations.

We live in a moment in history where interpersonal divisions, distrust and isolation are becoming more and more apparent. At the same time, when our sense of security is violated, we can see more clearly how interdependent we are and how important it is to care for each other. Anthony Giddens claims that in the face of uncertainty, isolation and lack of trust, narrative self-understanding provides a sense of coherence and understanding. Individuals, but also dyads, families and societies create their own stories. At each of these levels, narratives can both bring us together and strengthen us, and play a destructive role. Therefore it is worth asking: when narrative thinking allows us to construct a more authentic, nuanced vision of the world and supports harmonious coexistence and when, in turn, does it deepen divisions between people by supporting hermetic stories with a selective way of presenting facts?

We invite you to submit texts focusing on the adaptive and maladaptive function of narrative, which will show how stories that unite or divide are built.

Issue Editor: Irmina Rostek, Kamil Jezierski

Release: June 2025

Submissions before: 28 February 2025

Submissions directly at: https://horyzontywychowania.ignatianum.edu.pl/HW