Abstract
In this paper, I talk about Ken Gergen’s influence in the communication discipline. Beginning with his ground-breaking publications
in the 1970’s (Gergen 1973, 1978), we see him challenging the taken for granted separation of theory and practice, scholar and practitioner. One of Ken’s
many contributions–regardless of disciplinary domain–has been the nurturing of forms of practice being developed by creative
and innovative practitioners and young scholars alike. There are several key resources that are woven throughout Ken’s work
that have continued to inspire and influence practitioners working in mental health, healthcare, organizations, schools, communities,
and peace building endeavors. The most central of these resources include (1) centering relational processes which, in turn,
generate the expansion of (2) collaborative, participatory practices that embrace alternative worldviews through a (3) a reflexive
stance. Ken has challenged himself and all of us to stay on the edge because it is on the edge that new relational possibilities
can be created. He has invited us to embrace the edge as the place of great comfort; comfort in knowing that there will always
be possibilities for forging new ways of making meaning together.
in the 1970’s (Gergen 1973, 1978), we see him challenging the taken for granted separation of theory and practice, scholar and practitioner. One of Ken’s
many contributions–regardless of disciplinary domain–has been the nurturing of forms of practice being developed by creative
and innovative practitioners and young scholars alike. There are several key resources that are woven throughout Ken’s work
that have continued to inspire and influence practitioners working in mental health, healthcare, organizations, schools, communities,
and peace building endeavors. The most central of these resources include (1) centering relational processes which, in turn,
generate the expansion of (2) collaborative, participatory practices that embrace alternative worldviews through a (3) a reflexive
stance. Ken has challenged himself and all of us to stay on the edge because it is on the edge that new relational possibilities
can be created. He has invited us to embrace the edge as the place of great comfort; comfort in knowing that there will always
be possibilities for forging new ways of making meaning together.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s12646-011-0125-7
- Authors
- Sheila McNamee, Department of Communication, University of New Hampshire, 20 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, USA
- Journal Psychological Studies
- Online ISSN 0974-9861
- Print ISSN 0033-2968