Title: The compass of friendship : narratives, identities, and dialogues /
Authors: Rawlins, William K., 1952-
Publisher: Sage Publications,
Year: 2009
Subjects: Interpersonal communication.; Friendship.; Interpersonal relations
Abstract: "Exploring how friends use dialogue and storytelling to construct identities, deal with differences, make choices, and build inclusive communities, The Compass of Friendship examines communication dialectically across private, personal friendships as well as public, political friendships. Author William K. Rawlins uses compelling examples and cases from literature, films, dialogue and storytelling between actual friends, student discussions of cross-sex friendships, and interviews with interracial friends. Throughout the book, he invites readers to consider such questions as: What are the possibilities for enduring, close friendships between men and women? How far can friendship's practices extend into public life to facilitate social justice? What are the predicaments and promises of friendships that bridge racial boundaries? How useful and realistic are the ideals and activities of friendship for serving the well-lived lives of individuals, groups, and larger collectives?" "The Compass of Friendship is appropriate for use in courses in Advanced Interpersonal Communication, Friendship Communication, Communication in Interpersonal Relationships, Relational Communication, Social and Personal Relationships, Dialogue and Communication, Social Identities and Communication Ethics."--Jacket.
Contents: Introduction : living friendship -- Making choices as communicators: similarity, difference, individuation, and participation -- Communicating friendship : a dialogue of narratives and a narrative of dialogues -- Making meanings with friends : two women's storytelling and dialogues -- Talking with college students about frontiers and frustrations of cross-sex friendships -- Pursuing cross-race friendships in personal, sociocultural, and historical contexts -- Embracing ethical and political potentials of friendship -- The compass of friendship.