Sem pedras o arco não existe: o lugar na narrativa no estudo crítico da identidade

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the events of the narrative in order to understand the identity metamorphoses. For this, we begin with a brief summary of the context to which the narrative belongs, indicating its potential in the construction, reconstruction and reinvention of the past and the future. Then the criticism directed at the narrator’s figure, which would be endangered, are explored, as diagnosed by Walter Benjamin. Then are presented contributions that can justify the contemporary interest of Humanities, especially social psychology, on the “narrative turn”. These developments show the influence of the life history method and storytelling in social psychology, as well as their importance in the development of the concept of identity as metamorphosis by Antonio da Costa Ciampa. Finally, we discuss some challenges and cautions for the use of narratives in research in social psychology, providing a critical research proposal of identity as metamorphosis.