Analysis of Interdiscourse as a Qualitative Social Research Design. An Account of Basic Principles and a Presentation of a Project Focused on Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to discuss analysis of interdiscourse and collective symbols as an opportunity for social research. Interdiscursivity focuses on integration and dissemination of knowledge and, thus, applies to a key question of social science: How is knowledge made plausible and put into perspective, especially if it is to attain any legitimacy? In other words, the approach taken in this article concerns itself with the adjustment of significance, the exercise of power through language, and the temporary fixation of social positions following it. A crucial starting-point for empirical analysis in general is the assessment that the adjustment of significance is always temporary and instable, since significance remains—at least partially—ambiguous. Social positions are re-organized within an area of hegemonial conflict. Corresponding analysis that focuses on interdiscourses and its political function, could, therefore, address the precariousness of processes developing within social orders and hegemony by exposing the adjustment of sense framing agonal discursive relations. This contribution explicates this approach using an example of professionals' depiction of juvenile delinquency.

URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1202258