In
this paper, autoethnographic writing is used to try to understand how my life, life chances, choices, and opportunities have been
influenced by social class. I outline an
approach to autoethnography, drawing on the work of C. Wright Mills and Norbert
Elias, and consider why sociologists are storytellers and what they share with
other literary traditions. The discussion also explores the relationality of
stories as collective experiences rather than ego-driven accounts of
uniqueness. Two stories relating to working-class life and community are
offered, dealing in turn with ‘work’ and ‘holidays’. Themes from the stories
are considered, and the paper concludes with a reflection on how the
experiences captured in the stories have shaped my sociological orientation.
That is, I approach sociology
in the same class-based way I practise my work, through craft, skills, applied
knowledge, and hard work, as did my father and grandfather. A brief
consideration of relational ethics is also provided as a context to autoethnographic
practice.
