Foucauldian discourse analysis is a form of discourse analysis, focusing on power relationships in society as expressed through language and practices, and based on the theories of Michel Foucault.

Overview

Subject of analysis

Besides focusing on the meaning of a given discourse, the distinguishing characteristic of this approach is its stress on power relationships. These are expressed through language and behaviour, and the relationship between language and power.[1][2] This form of analysis developed out of Foucault's genealogical work, where power was linked to the formation of discourse within specific historical periods. Some versions of this method stress the genealogical application of discourse analysis to illustrate how discourse is produced to govern social groups.[3] The method analyses how the social world, expressed through language, is affected by various sources of power.[1] As such, this approach is close to social constructivism, as the researcher tries to understand how our society is being shaped (or constructed) by language, which in turn reflects existing power relationships.[1][2] The analysis attempts to understand how individuals view the world, and studies categorizations, personal and institutional relationships, ideology, and politics.[4]

The approach was inspired by the work of both Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, and by critical theory.[4]

Foucauldian discourse analysis, like much of critical theory, is often used in politically oriented studies. It is preferred by scholars who criticize more traditional forms of discourse analysis as failing to account for the political implications of discourse.[5] Political power is gained by those in power being more knowledgeable and therefore more legitimate in exercising their control over others in both blatant and invisible ways.[6]

Process

Kendall and Wickham outline five steps in using "Foucauldian discourse analysis". The first step is a simple recognition that discourse is a body of statements that are organized in a regular and systematic way. The subsequent four steps are based on the identification of rules on:

Areas of study

Studies employing the Foucauldian discourse analysis might look at how figures in authority use language to express their dominance, and request obedience and respect from those subordinate to them. The disciplinary interaction between authority and their followers emphasize the power dynamic found within the relationships.[7] In a specific example, a study may look at the language used by teachers towards students, or military officers towards conscripts. This approach could also be used to study how language is used as a form of resistance to those in power.[1] Foucauldian discourse analysis has also been deployed to illustrate how scholars and activists at times unwittingly reproduce the very discourses that they aim to challenge and overcome.[8]

L'Ordre du discours

L'Ordre du discours (The Order of Discourse) is Michel Foucault's inaugural lecture at the Collège de France, delivered on December 2, 1970. Foucault presents the hypothesis that in any society the production of discourse is controlled, in order to eliminate powers and dangers and contain random events in this production.[9]

Speech control and exclusion procedures

"Mendel told the truth, but he was not in the true biological discourse of his time", says Foucault regarding the disciplines.

Foucault presents the hypothesis that, in every society, the production of discourses is controlled with the aim of: 1. exorcising its powers and dangers; 2. reducing the force of uncontrollable events; 3. hide the real forces that materialize the social constitution. To this end, he theorizes that external or internal procedures are used.[9]

External procedures

These procedures are exercised from the outside and function as systems of exclusion, insofar as they concern the part of the discourse that puts power and desire into play. The three great systems of this type are: the prohibited word, the division of madness and the will to truth.[9]

Internal procedures

These procedures start from the speech itself with the function of classifying, ordering and dictating its distribution; the discourses themselves exercise their own control and are characterized by serving as principles of classification, ordering and distribution to dominate the dimension of discourse related to what happens and to chance.[9] This title includes the commentary, the author and the organization into disciplines.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Lisa M. Given (2008). The Sage encyclopedia of qualitative research methods. SAGE. p. 249. ISBN 978-1-4129-4163-1. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  2. ^ a b Rodrigo Magalhães; Ron Sanchez (2 November 2009). Autopoiesis in organization theory and practice. Emerald Group Publishing. p. 152. ISBN 978-1-84855-832-8. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  3. ^ Arribas-Ayllon, Michael; Walkerdine, Valerie (2008). Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. London: Sage. pp. 91-108. ISBN 9781412907804.
  4. ^ a b Robin Wooffitt (23 April 2005). Conversation analysis and discourse analysis: a comparative and critical introduction. SAGE. p. 146. ISBN 978-0-7619-7426-0. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  5. ^ Robin Wooffitt (23 April 2005). Conversation analysis and discourse analysis: a comparative and critical introduction. SAGE. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-7619-7426-0. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  6. ^ a b Gavin Kendall; Gary Wickham (8 February 1999). Using Foucault's methods. SAGE. p. 42. ISBN 978-0-7619-5717-1. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  7. ^ Ferreirinha, Isabella Maria Nunes (2010). ""Relations of power in Michel Foucault: theoretical reflections/ As relacoes de poder em Michel Foucault: reflexoes teoricas."". Gale Power Search. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  8. ^ ALEJANDRO, AUDREY (2020). WESTERN DOMINANCE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS? : the internationalisation of ir in brazil and india. ROUTLEDGE. ISBN 0-367-54010-X. OCLC 1145913401.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Araújo, Alex Pereira de (2020). "A ordem do discurso de Michel Foucault: 50 anos de uma obra que revelou o jogo da rarefação dos sujeitos e a microfísica dos discursos". Unidad Sociológica (in Portuguese). 5 (19). Buenos Aires: 14–23. ISSN 2362-1850.

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