Discourse and Power

Discourse and Power

In this chapter, we examine the link between power and discourse and propose a framework for understanding the complex relationship between them. Our framework grows out of the observation that power and discourse are mutually constitutive: at any particular moment in time, discourses–structured collections of texts and associated practices of textual production, transmission and consumption shape the system of power that exists in a particular context by holding in place the categories and identities upon which it rests. In other words, the distribution of power among actors, the forms of power on which actors can draw, and the types of actor that may exercise power in a given situation are constituted by discourse and are, at a particular moment, fixed. Over time, however, discourses evolve as this system of power privileges certain actors, enabling them to construct and disseminate texts. Depending on the dynamics of transmission and consumption, these texts may influence the broader discourse and shape the discursive context. Thus, the power dynamics that characterize a particular context determine, at least partially, how and why certain actors are able to influence the processes of textual production and consumption that result in new texts that transform, modify or reinforce discourses. In other words, discourse shapes relations of power while relations of power shape who influences discourse over time and in what way.

In order to understand the relationship between power and discourse, we need to unpack this complex, mutually constitutive relationship. The discourse literature has been largely preoccupied with one aspect of this relationship: how particular discourses produce systems of power. The work of Foucault has been particularly influential in this regard, focusing attention on the role of discourse in determining the relations of power that characterize a particular social context. However, the way in which the dynamics of power influence discourse has received less attention. Yet, it is clear that some actors will be better able to produce texts that affect discourse because of their access to various kinds of power. Accordingly, we re-examine the power literature from a discursive perspective to draw out the [Page 300]power dynamics that lead actors to produce texts that influence discourse and to understand why some actors are more successful in modifying discourse in ways that are useful to them.

In the remainder of this chapter, we first consider how discourse shapes power, with particular reference to Foucault's work and critical discourse analysis. We then examine how power can shape discourse, integrating both power and discourse literatures to explore the ability of actors to produce texts that influence discourses over time. In exploring these relationships, we develop a model that embodies both in a mutually constitutive relationship and then draw implications for future research.