Dear Beginning Rug Hooker: Within a Framework

In the field of sociology, there is an area that specializes in identity. Identity is formed by ideas about age, ethnicity, gender, and other variables, but also by narration, by the bringing together of life experiences into an internal and evolving story.

This narrative type of identity provides a framework that contributes to our sense of unity, continuity, and meaning. It often helps us to make sense of our lives, our decisions, and choices. It helps us to give an account for the choices we have made and for the roads not taken. And being able to give an account, especially to ourselves, is healthy.