Discourse analysis
An approach to human and social sciences with basis in the
work of Michel Foucault (1926-84). This perspective have also influenced
Library and Information Science.
Finlay (1987, p. 2) defines: "...discourse analysis is the study of the way in
which an object or idea, any object or idea, is taken up by various institutions
and epistemological positions, and of the way in which those institutions and
positions treat it. Discourse analysis studies the way in which objects or ideas
are spoken about".
Literature:
Budd, J. M. & Rabe, D. (1996). Discourse Analysis: Method and
Application in the Study of Information. Information Processing & Management,
1996, 32(2), 217-226.
Finlay, M. (1987). Powermatics: A Discoursive Critique of New Communications
Technology. London & New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Frohmann, B. (1992). Knowledge and power in library and information science: toward
a discourse analysis of the cognitive viewpoint. Pp. 135-148 IN: Conceptions of
Library and Information Science. Historical, empirical and theoretical
perspectives. Ed. by Pertti Vakkari & Blaise Cronin. London: Taylor Graham.
Frohmann, B. (1994). Discourse Analysis as a Research Method in Library and Information Science. LISR [Library and Information Science Research], 16, 119-138.
Skouvig, L. H. C. (2005). Institution, Modernity and Discourse: Three Perspectives on Public Library History. In: Johannsen, C. G. & Kajberg, L. New Frontiers in Public Library Research. Scarecrow Press, Lanham, Maryland, p. 249-269.
See also:
[Social] Constructivism & Discourse analysis
Birger Hjørland
Last edited: 21-01-2006