Autoethnography in Dissertations

1. Layering the Cake:
Engaging Autoethnography in Dissertations
Qualitative Research Artistry and Craft
Qualitative Report Fifth Annual Conference
Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.
January 17, 2014

2. Presentation Overview
• This presentation will explore the use of
autoethnography as a research method in
dissertations.
• I will use my own dissertation as this
presentation’s road map, and recent example of
how I employed autoethnography to juxtapose the lived experience
of my 19th century Mormon ancestor with my own as a 21st
century lesbian.
• I will discuss how autoethnography provided a pathway for me to
interweave data derived from: a) primary sources, b) historic
documents, c) family lore, d) my own felt-sense, e) reflection on
personal narrative, and f) shamanic journeying. Through an
autoethnographical approach, themes of a) personal and societal
neglect, b) persecution, c) perseverance, and d) resilience were
derived from the research, and integrated into the dissertation.

3. Autoethnography
Autoethnography is an approach to research
and writing that seeks to describe and
systematically analyze (graphy) personal
experience (auto) in order to understand
cultural experience (ethno) (Ellis, 2004;
Holman Jones, 2005). This approach challenges canonical ways
of doing research and representing others (Spry, 2001) and treats
research as a political, socially-just and socially conscious act
(Adams & Holman Jones, 2008). A researcher uses tenets of
autobiography and ethnography to do and write autoethnography.
Thus, as a method, autoethnography is both process and product.
(Ellis, Adams, & Bochner, 2011, para. 1)

5. Transpersonal Genealogy
Definition
The experience of a) feeling pulled or called to, b) guided by deceased
ancestors in researching their history, and c) how such genealogy
enriches the psycho-spiritual development of the researcher.
Examples:
•Elizabeth “Betsey” Arnold née Bliss
•Family History Library
•Caroline and Josselyn
Non-Example:
•Slot machine rush

6. Themes
Derived from research on ancestor,
self (including self-reflection), and
participant interviews
•
•
•
•
Personal and Societal Neglect
Persecution
Perseverance
Resilience

7. Example of Themes:
Personal and Societal Neglect, Persecution,
Perseverance, and Resilience
Intentionally left blank.
“I would be honored.”
“I am going to pass on the
opportunity to have you use
my painting.”

8. Narrative and Reflection Chapters:
Layering the Cake

9. To Learn More...
Please join me @ Cherry Hill Seminary
Transpersonal Genealogy: Three 4-week online classes offered
through Cherry Hill Seminary:
– Combine experiential learning with engaging lecture, thoughtprovoking video, and conscientious discussion of class postings.
– Explore definition of Transpersonal Genealogy.
– Trace your family tree.
– Connect with ancestors through ritual, and shamanic journeying.
– Share and discuss experiences with Transpersonal Genealogy
and its impact on you.

10. Credit for Included Images
• Title Slide: Melinda Strauss:
• Slide 5: Unknown:
• Slide 1: Mary Cassatt:
• Slide 6: Elizabeth Arnold Mills:
• Slide 2: Pablo Picasso:
• Slide 7: Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.:
• Slide 3: Daisy A. Houle:
• Slide 8: Unknown:
Rainbow Layer Birthday Cake
Denise at Her Dressing Table
Girl in Front of Mirror
Reaching Across the Generations
Perseverance & Resilience
Transpersonal Genealogy
Layering the Cake
Cherry Hill Seminary logo
• Slide 4: Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.: • Slide 10: Unknown:
Looking Back
ASL Thank you

11. Contact Information
Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.
knrivers66@gmail.com
http://www.cherryhillseminary.org/about/leade
rship/faculty-2/2012_knrivers/

12. Thank you.