Discourse Analysis
Discourse analysis is a qualitative approach used to examine how language
shapes meaning, relationships, identities and social reality. Rather than viewing
language as a neutral way of describing the world, discourse analysis argues that
language actively constructs how people understand themselves, others and
society. It explores how words, conversations, written texts and institutional
documents influence beliefs, values and behaviours, while also reflecting broader
social, cultural and political contexts. Within social work, discourse analysis helps
practitioners understand how language can reinforce or challenge power,
inequality and discrimination (Gee, 2014).
The origins of discourse analysis can be traced to linguistics, sociology and
philosophy, although it was significantly influenced by the work of Michel
Foucault during the 1960s and 1970s. Foucault argued that knowledge and
power are closely connected and that dominant discourses shape what is
considered normal, true or acceptable within society. He suggested that
institutions such as healthcare, education, law and social care use language to
categorise people, define problems and influence professional practice.
According to Foucault, these discourses are not neutral but reflect the interests
and values of those with social and institutional power (Foucault, 1972).
Later researchers expanded discourse analysis by examining how language is
used within everyday interactions. Norman Fairclough developed Critical
Discourse Analysis (CDA), which focuses on how language both reflects and
reproduces unequal power relationships. Fairclough argued that texts and
conversations should be analysed alongside the wider social, political and
economic contexts in which they occur. This approach highlights how language
can maintain social inequalities while also providing opportunities to challenge
them (Fairclough, 2013).
Discourse analysis recognises that the words used to describe people can
significantly influence how they are perceived and treated. Labels such as
"offender", "non-compliant", "vulnerable" or "at risk" may shape professional
responses and affect an individual's identity. Similarly, media representations of
groups such as asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness or individuals
with mental ill health can reinforce stereotypes and influence public attitudes.
Discourse analysis therefore encourages practitioners to critically examine the
Discourse analysis is a qualitative approach used to examine how language
shapes meaning, relationships, identities and social reality. Rather than viewing
language as a neutral way of describing the world, discourse analysis argues that
language actively constructs how people understand themselves, others and
society. It explores how words, conversations, written texts and institutional
documents influence beliefs, values and behaviours, while also reflecting broader
social, cultural and political contexts. Within social work, discourse analysis helps
practitioners understand how language can reinforce or challenge power,
inequality and discrimination (Gee, 2014).
The origins of discourse analysis can be traced to linguistics, sociology and
philosophy, although it was significantly influenced by the work of Michel
Foucault during the 1960s and 1970s. Foucault argued that knowledge and
power are closely connected and that dominant discourses shape what is
considered normal, true or acceptable within society. He suggested that
institutions such as healthcare, education, law and social care use language to
categorise people, define problems and influence professional practice.
According to Foucault, these discourses are not neutral but reflect the interests
and values of those with social and institutional power (Foucault, 1972).
Later researchers expanded discourse analysis by examining how language is
used within everyday interactions. Norman Fairclough developed Critical
Discourse Analysis (CDA), which focuses on how language both reflects and
reproduces unequal power relationships. Fairclough argued that texts and
conversations should be analysed alongside the wider social, political and
economic contexts in which they occur. This approach highlights how language
can maintain social inequalities while also providing opportunities to challenge
them (Fairclough, 2013).
Discourse analysis recognises that the words used to describe people can
significantly influence how they are perceived and treated. Labels such as
"offender", "non-compliant", "vulnerable" or "at risk" may shape professional
responses and affect an individual's identity. Similarly, media representations of
groups such as asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness or individuals
with mental ill health can reinforce stereotypes and influence public attitudes.
Discourse analysis therefore encourages practitioners to critically examine the
