Essay: Defining Discourse - Sociology Module, Semester 1

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of discourse, examining its various definitions and theoretical perspectives within the field of sociology. The essay begins by introducing the concept of discourse, highlighting different interpretations from various theorists, with particular emphasis on the views of discursive psychologists. It then delves into Foucault's theory of discourse, explaining his assertion that discourses shape the very topics they discuss and construct the objects of knowledge, as well as direct the manner in which topics are articulated. The essay then explores the relationship between discourse, knowledge, and power, as argued by Wodak and Meyer, and how discourses are interconnected with social structures and practices. It discusses how dominant discourses influence societal norms and practices, and how those in power shape and control which discourses are accepted and which are rejected. Finally, the essay concludes by emphasizing the impact of discourse on reality, according to social constructionist theory, and reiterates the importance of understanding the term and its theoretical underpinnings.

Running head: DEFINING DISCOURSE
Defining Discourse
Name of the University
Name of the Student
Author note

1DEFINING DISCOURSE
Introduction
Different theorists throughout ages have defined discourse differently. Burr (2015)
outlined the definition of discourse given by discursive psychologists in his book “Social
Constructionism” as a discussion or other verbal communication. Discourse can also refer to
written forms of communication as described by the discursive psychologists.
The given essay provides a summary of the chapter of the book where Burr has defined
discourse as per different theorists and puts his own views.
Foucault’s theory of discourse
Michael Foucault was a French philosopher and historian who redefined the discourse
perspective. According to him, discourses are the activities, which form the matter of which they
converse (Andrews 2012). To put it simply, discourse is the culmination of meanings, symbols,
metaphors and so on and not just limited to verbal or written communication. It implies the
creation of a specific image of an event or a person of group of persons in a way that is unique to
each individual. Discourse is thus not limited to one individual; rather it takes the shape of the
picture formed by each individual of some persons or situations.
Foucault points out that discourse create the topic. Further, discourse defines and
constructs the objects of individual’s knowledge. It also directs the manner by which a topic can
be eloquently conversed and articulated. This elaborate definition of discourse by Foucault has
implemented by many theorists in areas ranging from motherhood to sexuality and masculinity
and so on.

2DEFINING DISCOURSE
Discourse in relation to knowledge and power
Wodak and Meyer (2015) argue that the control discourse has over human’s knowledge
about everything leads to the undeniable fact that it has a relationship with power as well.
Foucault was greatly concerned with this relationship and had applied it in many instances and
events in real life. Knowledge according to him, varied from period to period. To illustrate, the
knowledge of treatment of mental illness in the past and in many societies differed from today’s
knowledge. A person’s mental illness was considered by some societies as a possession by evil
spirits whereas with the evolution of science, this notion was rejected (Hardy and Thomas 2014).
Knowledge empowers people to have control of things and this power varies from societies to
societies as illustrated. The power to perform in a specific manner depends on the currently
accepted knowledge.
It is therefore, established that discourses allow people to have knowledge accepted by
the current age and that leads to the possession of power.
Social structure, practices, and discourse
In the social construction as well, discourse plays a significant role. Norms and rules of
the society are formed based on discourses popularized by a section of the society that
outnumbered other opposing sections (Parker 2014). To give an instance, the popular notion
about women is that they belong within the confinements of their homes and need not hold other
responsibilities. Mentioned earlier, discourse is not just a form of talking or communicating in
any way, it is closely linked to the daily practices and norms of the social institution and has an
intense effect on people’s lives.

3DEFINING DISCOURSE
Institutions of education, marriage, religion and politics in the society regulate the way
people live their lives. Education is applied when children attend or miss classes. Marriage is
applied when two people decide to live together and start a family and so on. Thus, discourses
are interconnected with the social structures and practices that are carried out by people every
day. These discourses are in addition are shaped by those in powers who decide which discourse
to popularize and which discourse to reject as untrue and against societal norms.
Foucault also asserts that discourses that regulate knowledge also control the resistance to
that particular knowledge, which empowers people. He argues that there is always an underlying
threat for existing discourses from substitutions that can replace them from their place of truth.
The discourse that women are best suited within boundaries of their homes, for example, is re-
asserted every time with a fear that it might be dislodged from its place as a truth (McNay 2013).
Conclusion
Discourse has a strong impact on the realities of life. In fact, reality, according to social
constructionist theory, is formed by the discourses prevalent in the society. The essay provides
an elaborate description of the term and the stand of some theorists. Special emphasis has been
given to the explanation put forward by Foucault on discourse. Discourse in relation to
knowledge and power has been discussed as well. in addition to that, the influence of discourse
on the social structures and social practices have also been elaborated in the essay.

4DEFINING DISCOURSE
References:
Andrews, T., 2012. What is social constructionism. Grounded theory review, 11(1), pp.39-46.
Burr, V., 2015. Social constructionism. Routledge.
Hardy, C. and Thomas, R., 2014. Strategy, discourse and practice: The intensification of
power. Journal of Management Studies, 51(2), pp.320-348.
McNay, L., 2013. Foucault and feminism: Power, gender and the self. John Wiley & Sons.
Parker, I., 2014. Discourse Dynamics (Psychology Revivals): Critical Analysis for Social and
Individual Psychology. Routledge.
Wodak, R. and Meyer, M. eds., 2015. Methods of critical discourse studies. Sage.