Cultural Narratives

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Short definition

Cultural narratives are the shared stories, beliefs and assumptions within families, communities and societies that influence how people understand themselves, their relationships and the world around them. Narrative Therapy explores these narratives to understand how they shape identity, behaviour and meaning.

Expanded definition

Narrative Therapy recognises that people's stories do not develop in isolation. Every person grows up surrounded by cultural narratives that provide explanations about what is considered normal, desirable or acceptable.

These narratives are communicated through:

families
schools
religion
media
politics
education
workplaces
communities

Cultural narratives influence how people interpret success, failure, relationships, gender, parenting, mental health and countless other aspects of life.

Some cultural narratives support people's preferred identities and provide a sense of belonging. Others can be restrictive, creating unrealistic expectations or reinforcing experiences of shame, exclusion or oppression.

For example, a culture that values emotional restraint may lead someone to believe that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Similarly, cultural expectations about achievement may encourage people to judge themselves solely by educational or professional success.

Narrative Therapy encourages curiosity rather than acceptance of these stories. By recognising cultural narratives as socially constructed rather than universal truths, people gain greater freedom to decide which stories they wish to continue living by.

This process allows individuals and families to separate their own values from those that have been inherited without reflection.

Why this concept matters

Many difficulties presented in therapy are maintained not only by personal experiences but also by the cultural stories surrounding those experiences.

Exploring cultural narratives helps therapists understand:

how expectations influence identity
where experiences of shame originate
how social norms shape relationships
why certain stories become dominant
how alternative identities can emerge

Recognising cultural narratives broadens therapy beyond the individual and locates personal experience within its wider social and historical context.

Non-clinical example

A young man believes he has failed because he has not yet bought a house by the age of thirty.

During therapy he begins exploring cultural narratives surrounding adulthood, financial success and independence.

As these assumptions become visible, he realises that many of his expectations originated from family and social comparisons rather than his own values.

This allows him to redefine success in ways that prioritise meaningful relationships, wellbeing and personal fulfilment.

Clinical example

A teenage girl referred for anxiety repeatedly describes herself as "not feminine enough."

Therapeutic conversations explore cultural narratives surrounding beauty, appearance and gender expectations.

As these wider narratives become visible, she begins distinguishing between externally imposed ideals and her own preferred identity, reducing self-criticism and increasing self-acceptance.

Core insight

Many of the stories people believe about themselves originate within the cultures they inhabit rather than within themselves.

Recognising cultural narratives creates opportunities to choose which stories deserve to continue shaping identity.

Questions before a session

Which cultural expectations may be influencing this person or family?
What beliefs about success, relationships or identity seem particularly significant?
Which narratives appear supportive?
Which narratives appear restrictive?
How might broader social context be explored respectfully?

Questions during a session

Where do you think this belief came from?
Is this expectation shared within your family or community?
What messages did you receive growing up?
Do these beliefs fit with your own values?
Which cultural stories would you like to keep?
Which stories would you prefer to challenge?
What alternative story feels more authentic?

Questions after a session

Which cultural narratives became visible?
How did recognising these narratives influence the person's understanding of themselves?
Which preferred values emerged?
What conversations could deepen this exploration?
Which relationships support these preferred understandings?

Related epistemologies

Related schools and models

Narrative

Related concepts

Related methods

Related techniques

Related pathways

Narrative pathway

Key theorists / contributors

Key texts / references

White, M. (2007). Maps of Narrative Practice. New York: W. W. Norton.
White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. New York: W. W. Norton.
Bruner, J. (1990). Acts of Meaning. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Foucault, M. (1980). Power/Knowledge.

Notes

Cultural Narratives and Dominant Discourse are closely related but distinct concepts. Dominant Discourse focuses on systems of power and knowledge that define what is considered normal or true, whereas Cultural Narratives refer to the everyday stories, traditions and shared beliefs through which people make sense of their lives. Exploring cultural narratives enables therapists to situate personal difficulties within broader social contexts while supporting people to identify values and identities that are genuinely their own rather than inherited uncritically.

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