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Reflections and projections of the developing self

Forrester, Michael A. (1999) Reflections and projections of the developing self. Theory & Psychology, 9 (1). pp. 29-46. ISSN 0959-3543. (doi:10.1177/0959354399091002) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:17331)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0959354399091002

Abstract

In response to calls for a constructively critical developmental psychology, this paper considers contemporary ideas of the developing self. After touching on theoretical assumptions within cognitive and psychoanalytic approaches, consideration turns to the potential value of narrative. A conception of the developing self embedded within the subject positionings of discourse is then formulated. This approach, defined as discursive ethnomethodology, focuses on narrativization as process bringing together Foucault's (1972) discourse theory, Gibson's (1979) affordance metaphor and conversation analysis. The proposals conceptualize theorized subject positioning as participant-oriented social practices, arguably understood as social affordances produced and recognized dynamically in context. Conversation analysis provides a key method for studying the production of such discursive self-positionings, particularly with regard to the implicit models and metaphors embedded in the talk between parents and young children. Recommendations for more dialogic conceptions of representation are suggested, alongside proposals for a discursive ethnomethodology of the developing self. Concluding comments emphasize the significance of studying talk and conversation within developmental psychology.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/0959354399091002
Uncontrolled keywords: developing; discourse; ethnomethodology; self
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: M. Nasiriavanaki
Date Deposited: 18 Jun 2009 23:04 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:55 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/17331 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Forrester, Michael A..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0632-7042
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