progress narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progress narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or account that focuses on the development or advancement of a particular subject, idea, or individual over time. Example: "The progress narrative of the project highlights the significant milestones we achieved throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And so we don't really believe in the progress narrative, but we somehow still mouth it.

The New York Times

Some tell the story of love as an eternal and unchanging essence; others, as a progress narrative over stifling social conventions.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a show deeply informed by its diverse depictions of blackness, Queen Sugar taps into the "progress narrative" historical zeitgeist of African Americans.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Though research has shown that the idea of time as linear is more framing than fact (born from Eurocentric visions of "the progress narrative" and how science was also "colonized" during colonization), people born within western civilization's cultural influence tend to look at the past as "regressive" and the future as "progressive".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

According to academic Susan Stryker, a professor of gender and women's studies at the University of Arizona, "the persistent drumbeat of activism" has meant that "transgender issues were suddenly positioned as the 'next big thing' in a civil rights progress narrative".

The Guardian

In other words, the apologists situated colonialism in a progress narrative.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

With the modern intrusion of computers in our shared languages, these forms of word play were turned into parables of advancement and productivity, narrating miniature progress narratives in which the player's desires to accrue, manage, and discover were set against neurotic self-doubt.

The New Yorker

Postmodern postcolonial theorists offer a more radical critique of European progress narratives than Amin does.

SEP

Although at odds in many ways, both discourses drew heavily from progress narratives (1475).

SEP

If the 19th century is the high water mark of progress narratives, the following period is the era of critics.

SEP

Also, I feared that I would be repeating myself if kept setting my fiction in Somalia — same old story and no progress in narrative, etc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progress narrative" when you want to emphasize a story's focus on positive change and development over time. Consider the implications of framing events as inherently progressive.

Common error

Avoid using "progress narrative" without critically examining whether the 'progress' is beneficial to all parties involved. Narratives of progress can sometimes mask negative consequences for marginalized groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progress narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize a specific type of story or account that emphasizes advancement or development. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing its role in describing historical, social, and personal trajectories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progress narrative" is a noun phrase used to describe stories focusing on development and advancement over time. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and functions to analyze how events are framed as progressive, with a register ranging from neutral to formal. It appears commonly in News & Media and Science. While useful for describing positive change, it’s important to critically examine whether the perceived 'progress' benefits everyone involved. Be mindful of potential biases and consider using alternatives like "narrative of advancement" or "historical progression" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrative of advancement

Focuses more directly on the element of advancement within the story.

developmental storyline

Emphasizes the developmental aspect of the plot or story.

evolutionary account

Highlights the evolutionary nature of the narrative's subject.

story of growth

Simple and direct, focusing on the growth aspect.

advancement discourse

Shifts from a narrative to a broader discussion or discourse about advancement.

trajectory of progress

Emphasizes the path or direction of the advancement.

historical progression

Specifically refers to a sequence of historical events showing advancement.

chronicle of evolution

Implies a detailed, chronological record of evolutionary changes.

unfolding of advancement

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of advancement.

progressive account

Highlights the forward-moving and incremental nature of the account.

FAQs

How is a "progress narrative" typically used in historical analysis?

In historical analysis, a "progress narrative" is often employed to frame historical events as a series of advancements leading to a better state. However, historians also critique this approach, pointing out potential biases and oversimplifications. Consider alternatives like "historical progression" or "evolutionary account".

What are some common criticisms of the "progress narrative"?

Common criticisms include the potential for overlooking negative consequences, reinforcing existing power structures, and presenting a Eurocentric or Western-centric view of history. Alternatives to mitigate these biases include "narrative of advancement" or "developmental storyline", which may provide a more nuanced perspective.

How can I use "progress narrative" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician presented a compelling "progress narrative", promising economic growth and social reform." or "Critics challenged the dominant "progress narrative" by highlighting its environmental costs."

Is "progress narrative" always a positive term?

No, it's not always positive. While "progress" generally implies improvement, the term "progress narrative" can be used critically to analyze how stories of progress are constructed and whose interests they serve. Consider using alternative phrases like "trajectory of progress", or "historical progression", depending on the intended meaning.