A metanarrative is a broad, overarching story or theory that attempts to explain and give meaning to various smaller narratives within a culture or society. It often encompasses ideologies, beliefs, and values that shape how people understand their experiences and the world around them. Examples of metanarratives include concepts like progress, freedom, and the American Dream. In postmodern thought, metanarratives are often critiqued for being overly simplistic or oppressive, as they can marginalize alternative perspectives and experiences. This critique encourages a focus on smaller, localized narratives that reflect diverse viewpoints, emphasizing the complexity of human experience rather than a single, dominant story.