Currere, Subjective Reconstruction, and Autobiographical Theory

Abstract

This chapter is an exploratory study of a Chinese woman—myself, who is studying in Canada. The study provides understandings of subjectivity from both Western and Eastern perspectives as well of the method of currere to articulate the issues I face as a student, teacher, woman, and Chinese person in Canada. It provides an example of how I use currere to acquire a deeper understanding of self. This chapter is composed of three sections: (1) a review of several key concepts, including currere, subjectivity, and subjective reconstruction; (2) a discussion of the autobiographical method; (3) my practice of it—a writing of my own autobiography, organized around these themes: a search for understanding my self-growth, confronting my cultural background, and understanding autobiographical research.