Die narratiewe werkswyse in gemeenskapsontwikkeling

The narrative method, a fundamentally new direction in the therapeutic world, can be used in community development work. In implementing the five “micro-maps” developed by Michael White (1998), the social worker will continually concentrate on successfully entering the community. It is important to act from a position of ignorance in order to enable the members of the community to explore their narratives. Once the community has done this, the task of the social worker is to identify problem themes and then to facilitate a process enabling community members to externalize these themes and develop unique outcomes that may form the basis of new stories. Definitional ceremonies provide opportunities for witnessing new narratives. The implementation of “taking-back” practices may contribute to a process whereby stories of hope, sustainability and empowerment are developed. The narrative method has the potential to empower communities to such an extent that they take over their own development.