A critical discourse analysis of power and ideology

Scientific Essay , 2011 , 31 Pages , Grade: 4

Sociology - Individual, Groups, Society

This paper has shown the relations of critical discourse analysis (CDA) to Power and Ideology, trying to present the most common theories of power, by which the term power can be defined.

Though it is difficult to find an agreed definition of power because its concept is essentially contested, all approaches are true and there are general understandings among them: first the operation of power is the ability to get an individual to behave or not to behave in a particular manner and the ability to achieve one's goals while denying others access to the same.

Second, modern power is persuasive and manipulative rather than coercive (i.e., using of force), or incentive, such as the explicit issuing of commands, orders, threats or economic sanctions. Third, Power can be ideological, commonsensical, or symbolic, and within these confines, it can operate at a range of different levels: the social, individual, military, state-based, legal, and so on. Fourth, although the process of power may be realized in different ways and in different social environments, the resources of power utilized may not be of the same type. Fifth, some individuals or groups may access or use strategic resources to maintain a position and a status of power over others.

Table Of Content

1. Introduction

2. Theories and Definitions of Power

3. Theories of power

4. Definitions of Power

5. Power and CDA
5.1 Ideological Power
5.2 Commonsensical Power
5.3 Symbolic Power

6 Power and other approaches
6.1 Power and Conversational Analysis
6.2 Power and pragmatics

7 The Exercise of Power

8. Domination

9 Conclusion

• Course: CDA
• Grade: 4
• Author: Anwar Elsharkawy (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 31
• Catalog Number: V350636
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668375529
• ISBN (Book): 9783668375536
• Language: English
• Tags: CDA, power, ideoloy, critical discourse