The Narrative Turn in Political Science

The Narrative Turn in Political Science refers to the shift from focusing solely on facts, institutions, and quantitative data to emphasizing stories, language, and meaning in understanding political phenomena. It recognizes that narratives—how people tell stories about events, identities, and values—shape political behavior, identity, and decision-making. By analyzing these stories, scholars gain deeper insights into why individuals and groups act as they do, how political realities are constructed, and how shared narratives influence societal change. This approach highlights the importance of communication, symbolism, and context in understanding politics beyond just the numbers.