How the Growing Role of Memoir in the Academy Offers a New Way to Teach Race and Gender
In this conversation, two sociologists discuss how to balance personal perspective with an academic approach to memoir. From writing, to reading, to teaching memoir, these authors offer a unique perspective on the growing role of memoir in the academy and
Tiffany Gayle Chenault and Georgiann Davis are sociology professors who have written memoirs incorporating their scholarly expertise. Writing these memoirs posed challenges for the authors as they had to balance personal narrative with scholarly writing. To overcome these challenges, Chenault consulted developmental editors who helped her strike a balance between the two writing styles. She was taught to interweave facts and data more creatively, making her writing engaging for a general audience.
Davis, who has a non-traditional educational background, found memoir to be a valuable tool for teaching and engaging students. She believes that memoirs can help readers think critically about social issues and understand the experiences of others. Davis emphasizes the importance of sharing one's personal experiences and background when writing a memoir, as it allows readers to connect with the author on a deeper level.
Both authors use memoir as a way to explore personal troubles related to their relationships, such as Davis' difficult relationship with her mother and Chenault's experience with her intersex condition. The authors advise writers to seek therapy and be honest about their experiences, even if it is painful. By sharing their personal stories, they hope to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and engage in broader social issues.
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