Performative social science: A consideration of skills, purpose and context

This article reviews recent work applying a notion of "performance" in the study and representation of lives. It tries to clarify some of the issues involved - including the meaning of "performance" - and "performative" - the range of possible approaches (e.g., in addition to drama - other arts) and the relationship between "subjects", "researcher" and "audience". An immediate concern is the nature of the researcher - as having the necessary skills and abilities or knowledge involved in "performance" (in researching, writing, recording and representing), as engaged (to some extent) in "artistic" endeavour, and moving between a number of "roles" and social relations in "performing" with/to others (the "researched" group, audience and society). An important issue for social science in crossing or bridging the social science-arts, in taking up "performative approaches", is "What remains distinctive about the social science if it becomes involved with performance approaches?" As a source for comparison (and inspiration), some brief reference will be made to the work of KANDINSKY - who moved across disciplinary boundaries and artistic practices - as ethnographer, painter, teacher, designer, theorist and poet. Finally, perhaps, there is a deeper "turn" indicated by the "turn to performance" in the study of lives, a more "complete" portrait of the individual as an active, communicative and sensual being. Verf.-Referat.