historiesrather
HistoriesRather is a term used in some circles of humanities scholarship to describe a methodological stance that foregrounds multiple, often marginalized, histories in preference to a single, dominant narrative. The term signals a shift from viewing history as a linear, universal account to treating history as a field of competing narratives shaped by culture, power, and perspective.
Etymology and origins: The neologism blends “history” with “rather,” conveying an emphasis on choosing or prioritizing
Concept: HistoriesRather encourages the inclusion of underrepresented voices, such as indigenous, enslaved, and disenfranchised communities, and
Applications: In teaching, HistoriesRather informs curricula that examine how national myths were formed and how marginalized
Critique: Critics warn that broad inclusion raises methodological complexity and may challenge coherent storytelling. Others note
See also: historiography, counter-history, multiperspectivity, oral history.