Publication
Title
A rehearsed self in repeated narratives? The case of two interviews with a former hooligan
Author
Abstract
This article investigates the identity constructions of a former hooligan in two repeated narratives, obtained through interviews with a time lapse of six years. In both narratives, the interviewee constructs a similar heroic identity and opposes it to other categories such as cowards and followers. However, when relating how he became a hooligan, the interviewee presents himself as a follower. This contradiction with the heroic identity shows his struggle with group membership and that identity work is an ongoing process. On the other hand, the striking similarity between the identity constructions in both interviews supports the thesis of a rehearsed self in big stories, but I argue that this is also due to other reasons, namely the role of the same interviewer who co-constructs the interview but who is also an outsider, and the influence of previous rehearsals of the story, both within the group of hooligans and in real life.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Discourse studies : an interdisciplinary journal of text and talk. - London, 1999, currens
Publication
London : 2009
ISSN
1461-4456 [print]
1461-7080 [online]
Volume/pages
11 :6 (2009) , p. 721-740
ISI
000272469600005
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.02.2010
Last edited 26.01.2023
To cite this reference