Discourse theory and political analysis: Identities, Hegemonies and Social Change

by David R. Howarth (Editor), Aletta J. Norval (Editor), Yannis Stavrakakis (Editor)

One of the few books which systematically brings post-structuralist theory to bear on substantive political analysis. Offers accessible accounts of different strands of discourse theory such as deconstruction, psychoanalysis and genealogy, which are applied to the analysis of specific cases such as Northern Ireland and contemporary East European politics. Each chapter addresses a key theme and issue in contemporary politics. Draws on inspiration from Ernesto Laclau, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault and Jacques Lacan. Contains a clear introductory statement of the theoretical approach used and concludes with an assessment of the future directions of discourse theory in the social sciences.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2000

Reviews

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this based entirely on the title. What a mistake. Had I checked the back cover, with names like Lacan, Zizek, and Derrida, I would have steered clear of the thing. To be fair, the introduction was not bad, and the actual case studies were mostly interesting as historical narratives. Tellingly, much of the book becomes gobbledygook when the authors try to theorise what the narratives mean--especially the chapters using the above trio. The hegemony analysis makes a bit more sense, luckily, but there's little here to inspire. Too bad.

[ehk2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

it did not meet my expectations. I hoped clearer empirical accounts of discourse analyses which touch upon methodological issues. Overall, all analyses remain vague and loosely inter-connected.

[Amin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a bit hardly written. Not a piece of cake reading, but delivers very good understanding over the subject.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent compendium!