Emotional Labour in Oral History Research

This academic work tackles the often-unseen emotional demands placed on oral historians, dissecting how researchers manage their own feelings while navigating sensitive personal narratives. Jennifer Harding critically examines the concept of emotional labour, applying it directly to the unique challenges of gathering lived experiences through interviews. The book provides a necessary framework for understanding the psychological toll of this work, moving beyond methodology to confront the human cost of bearing witness to trauma. It offers a sobering look at the complex interplay between interviewer and narrator, where professional detachment often clashes with profound human connection.

Drawing on the personal accounts of practitioners, the text gives voice to the researcher's own vulnerability, a perspective frequently overlooked in methodological texts. Harding’s analysis is particularly vital for students and seasoned professionals who engage with difficult subject matter, providing validation and a vocabulary for their experiences. By framing emotion management as a form of skilled work, the book elevates a critical component of qualitative research from a personal challenge to a professional competency. This is an essential read for anyone in the field, fundamentally reshaping how we understand the responsibilities and personal costs of documenting human stories.