Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper will report on some of the findings from my doctoral study: ‘Looking at Our Own History Book’: Exploring Through the Stories of Aboriginal Women the Relationship Between Shame and Problems with Alcohol. Australian Aboriginal women’s experiences of shame have been linked to the trans-generational trauma that has resulted from the settler-colonisation of Australia and in particular the forced child removal practices that continued until the 1970s. This study found that many Aboriginal women also suffer the effects of another dimension of shame—specifically that which can arise as a result of stigma, discrimination, and contempt based on race and gender. In addition to exploring the role of racialised misogyny in the development and maintenance of alcohol problems as experienced by Aboriginal women, this study also looked at the types of therapeutic approaches used by Aboriginal counsellors and community workers which have been found to be culturally safe and effective. Using narrative and ethnographic research methodologies, it was found that therapeutic practices that locate problems in a social, historical and political context can not only reduce alcohol related harm but also support the re-storying of a more positive self-account. This paper provides an opportunity to identify elements of narrative and storied approaches useful in practice, particularly when working with marginalized communities.