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in the analysis of data, is that it has a distinct critical component that enables power
relationships within representations of groups to emerge as part of the process of
investigation. It does not suffice to simply report data, or even analyse data, isolated from the
criticality of power; although this is a point that Schegloff does not seem to consider
important, given his comment “…the inadequacies of past work will not be alleviated by
turning to critical theory for their repair” (1998, p. 414). Power, as described by Wodak, is
interwoven with ideology and “…does not derive from language, but language can be used to
challenge power, to subvert it, to alter distributions of power…Language provides a…vehicle
for differences in power in hierarchical social structures” (2004, p. 1999). Related to the
understanding of power embedded within texts, is the issue of whether one, definitive truth
needs to be extrapolated from the data. This topic, described partially by Flowerdew as “one
needs to accept that there are multiple perspectives and that there are limits to objectivist
impartiality” (1999, p. 1093), is explored in further depth later in this chapter.
3.2.1 Description of Critical Discourse Analysis as the lead methodology.
While originally developed as an analytical tool for linguistic studies, the specific CDA
approaches that this project adopts draw on aspects of both socio cognitive studies (van Dijk,
1997) and the discursive historical method (Wodak, 2004; Wodak et al., 1999). This is
underpinned by the developmental work of Fairclough in terms of a sociocultural approach,
and framed by the theories espoused by Althusser (1971, 1984) and Gramsci (1957, 1971) on
hegemony and Apple (2000) on official knowledge in curriculum. Combined, these
approaches demonstrate that “…discourses work in ideological interests…” (Luke, 2002, p.
96) in the communication, interpretation and analysis of texts. Luke also attributes significant
achievement and great responsibilities to this research approach, writing:
…critical discourse analysis has, for a moment, melded post-1968 social theories,
political standpoints and research practice. It has succeeded in bringing to the table
various readings, voices and texts that historically had been at the sidelines, while at
the same time providing a forum for the deconstruction and critique of canonical
texts. (1997, p. 348)
And also:
…to use critical discourse analysis as an analytical and political strategy for talking
back to public discourse, for disrupting its speech acts, breaking its narrative chains
and questioning its constructions of power and agency. (Luke, 1997, p. 265)
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