A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

How does Stephens define a metanarrative?

1. A story explaining personal experiences

2. A story about another story within a schema

3. A simplified version of historical events

4. A fictional narrative with universal themes

The correct answer is: A story about another story within a schema

The choice that describes a metanarrative as a story about another story within a schema accurately captures the essence of the term. A metanarrative refers to overarching narratives or theories that attempt to explain and give meaning to historical events or cultural phenomena by framing them within a larger context. This layered approach allows for a deeper understanding of how narratives can inform one another and contribute to societal structures. A story explaining personal experiences focuses more on individual perspectives rather than the larger, encompassing frameworks that metanarratives represent. A simplified version of historical events might suggest that metanarratives reduce complexity, which isn't necessarily true; instead, they often introduce complexity by interweaving various narratives. A fictional narrative with universal themes suggests a more literary approach, which does not encapsulate the analytical function of metanarratives in providing frameworks for understanding reality. Thus, defining a metanarrative as a story about another story within a framework highlights its role in shaping and interpreting multiple narratives in a comprehensive manner.