*Social Science essay: Critically discuss the view that human conduct has a `storied nature`? (Sarbin 1986)

Human Conduct has a `Storied Nature

Sarbin (1986 ) rightly observes that human conduct has storied nature . It is a common belief that this concept is a new development . But this is not true . This concept was always there , it is now that we have realised its significance . The following is an excellent example of how human conduct has been related to stories since the very beginning . Right from our childhood days we have been lectured on proper conduct based on the mythological stories . We have been unconsciously believing in these stories and

polishing our conduct influenced by these stories narrated to us by elders . Thus we have been shaping our realities based on the mythological stories or fables of which there is no proof that they exactly happened the way they have been narrated to us , or if they really took place at all . Hence though the stories we have been weaned on might have been myths , they form an integral part of human conduct

Human beings have natural interest towards stories . In fact the person who is narrating the story has the capacity to seduce the listeners in believing that what he is telling is right . The statement like we should always be alert while crossing the road ' will not have as much impact as any story related to how not being alert while crossing the road have resulted in dire consequences or how being alert positively affected the protagonist . Therefore , all the issues , which are related to bringing an improvement or improvisation in human conduct , are put forward in the form of stories . Our teachers and elders have done it from the very beginning and now even the news media is doing it to put forward the message more effectively , especially when they want to propagate a good conduct or idea among the masses

Since the last two-decades psychologists have shown extensive interest in narration and stories . The reason behind it is that they have discovered the strong connection between stories and people 's social relationships and lives . Many experts of psychological theories such as Mc Adams , Bruner , Sarbin etc . believe in the life story model of adult identity . According to this model , since late adolescence and young adulthood , people who belong to the modern society start organising their lives in narrative terms . People get accustomed to organise their lives in terms of unity and purpose by creating , evolving and internalising life stories to reconstruct their past and anticipate their future

Some psychological theorists have even pointed that life stories and literary constructions are somewhat same . Hence life stories too have settings , plots , scenes , themes and characters . The best way to analyse the life stories is by categorising one 's life in the above-mentioned compartments . An overall sense of purpose and meaning in life is provided by life narratives or stories

It has been found that those chapters of life stories that have some emotions to it or has significance due to the influence on the evolving...