Dominant narratives, sometimes called dominant cultural narratives, are frequently-repeated stories that are shared in society through various social and cultural institutions.[1] The term is most frequently used in
pedagogy, the study of education. Dominant narratives are often discussed in tandem with counternarratives.
This term has been described as an "invisible hand" that guides reality and perceived reality.[2]Dominant culture is defined as the majority cultural practices of a society.[3]
Sociologist
Judith Lorber defines and describes "A-category" members as those that occupy the dominant group in different aspects of life.[4]
Dominant narratives are generally characterized as coming from, or being supported by,
privileged or
powerful groups.[5] According to political scientist Ronald R. Krebs, dominant narratives are maintained through public support because "even those who disagree with their premises typically abstain from publicly challenging them, for fear of being ignored or castigated."[6] Scholars have used
critical discourse analysis to study dominant narratives, with the goal of disrupting the narratives.[7] In
K–12economics education in the United States,
neoclassical economics is considered a dominant narrative.[8]
According to psychologist
Robyn Fivush, counternarratives "use the dominant narrative as a starting point, agreeing on many of the main facts" while changing the
subjective perspective.[9]