Metanarrative, Grand Narrative, and Micronarrative in the Conceptual Framework of J.-F. Lyotard: Issues of Terminological Unification in Political Science

Abstract

This article offers a theoretical analysis of the conceptual apparatus surrounding the notion of the metanarrative, as introduced by Jean-François Lyotard. It argues for the need to systematize existing definitions, given their growing presence in contemporary humanities and socio-political discourse. The study is based on qualitative textual analysis of academic literature, incorporating comparative-analytical and conceptual methods to identify key features of how these terms are used across various disciplinary contexts.

The analysis reveals that the terms metanarrative and grand narrative are often used interchangeably, yet possess the differentiation potential: the former tends to relate to the historical dimension of political narration, while the latter functions as an axiological category rooted in the ontological foundations of narrative construction. The article underscores the value of further distinguishing these concepts within intradisciplinary research, aiming to enrich the conceptual toolkit of discourse analysis and enhance the analytical potential within political science and the broader field of the social sciences. Particular attention is given to the definitional ambiguity surrounding the concept of the micronarrative. The study identifies a lack of stable terminology for this narrative type in current academic literature. In response, the article advocates for the codification of micronarrative, drawing on the semantic synonymy of English-language equivalents, thereby expanding the interpretative framework and empirical base for studies of political communication.

The article’s scholarly contribution lies in clarifying the relationships among metanarrative, grand narrative, and micronarrative, and in proposing a partial terminological unification to support discourse analysis in political research. It concludes by highlighting the need for further investigation aimed at: 1) developing a consensus-based understanding of these concepts within the national political sphere; 2) exploring the potential of inductive approaches to derive grand narratives from the aggregation of micronarrative elements in political rhetoric. This work is intended for humanities, social sciences, and political studies scholars who examine communicative mechanisms in forming collective political identity and ideological influence through discursive practices.