Qualitative Data Analysis : An Introduction Carol Grbich Chapter 14: Structural and Post Structural analysis

Definitions Semiotics is the study of signs, sign systems and their meanings Semiotics is the study of signs, sign systems and their meanings Structuralism assumes that signs have a limited range of meanings which can be identified Structuralism assumes that signs have a limited range of meanings which can be identified Post structuralism assumes that superficial and static meanings provide only one layer and deconstruction can reveal many more options as meaning slips away into multiple possibilities Post structuralism assumes that superficial and static meanings provide only one layer and deconstruction can reveal many more options as meaning slips away into multiple possibilities

Structuralism When to use: when it is important to identify the language forms, structures and processes of meaning transmission. When to use: when it is important to identify the language forms, structures and processes of meaning transmission. Type of research question best suited: What are the commonly accepted meanings of signs within a particular culture? Type of research question best suited: What are the commonly accepted meanings of signs within a particular culture? Strengths: the approach helps to clarify broad cultural values Strengths: the approach helps to clarify broad cultural values Weaknesses: this form of precision signifier – signified may not sufficiently represent the complexities of meaning Weaknesses: this form of precision signifier – signified may not sufficiently represent the complexities of meaning

Structuralism: Process Seek the way effects are created through metaphors, repetition and binary opposites. Seek the way effects are created through metaphors, repetition and binary opposites. Identify meanings of signs in context and in the culture Identify meanings of signs in context and in the culture

Post structuralism When to use: when deconstruction of the text/texts is desirable When to use: when deconstruction of the text/texts is desirable Type of research question: What are the deeper meanings of and links to this text? Type of research question: What are the deeper meanings of and links to this text? Strengths: the capacity to go beyond superficial meanings Strengths: the capacity to go beyond superficial meanings Weaknesses: too much pulling apart of the text can lead to meaninglessness Weaknesses: too much pulling apart of the text can lead to meaninglessness

Post structuralism Process Take the position of accepting nothing and rejecting nothing in a critical and sceptical reading, seek an understanding of the text’s structure, its content and its omissions. 2. In the seeking of threads to rupture the text: find dualities or binary opposites: find dualities or binary opposites: allow the arguments of the text to challenge each other allow the arguments of the text to challenge each other identify any contradictions and inconsistencies (ideas, metaphors etc) identify any contradictions and inconsistencies (ideas, metaphors etc) locate any generalisations and use these to undermine any principles used locate any generalisations and use these to undermine any principles used place argument against argument, find the exceptions place argument against argument, find the exceptions seek out and disentangle the complexities of all dichotomies, binary oppositions and hierarchies seek out and disentangle the complexities of all dichotomies, binary oppositions and hierarchies try reading against the grain of the document to discover alternative readings try reading against the grain of the document to discover alternative readings seek out links with other texts seek out links with other texts

Post structuralism Process Examine the margins and identify marginalised or missing voices, concealed information and underrepresented arguments 4. In writing up: write so as to allow as many interpretations as feasible write so as to allow as many interpretations as feasible avoid making any absolute statements avoid making any absolute statements stay close to the language of the text stay close to the language of the text cultivate ambiguity and ambivalence cultivate ambiguity and ambivalence remember that this is a transitional not a finite text that you are creating - it should resist closure remember that this is a transitional not a finite text that you are creating - it should resist closure (adapted from Rosenau, 1992: and Boje and Dennehy (1994: 340) (adapted from Rosenau, 1992: and Boje and Dennehy (1994: 340)

Deconstructive strategies place texts against each other in order to trouble them place texts against each other in order to trouble them interrupt texts in an attempt to prevent them closing and avoiding finite interpretations interrupt texts in an attempt to prevent them closing and avoiding finite interpretations create another structure to allow a freer play of language. create another structure to allow a freer play of language.

Post structuralism: outcomes a refocus on: Intertextuality - the impact of the text on others in terms of the appearance of particular signs and the linking of ideas from one text to another Intertextuality - the impact of the text on others in terms of the appearance of particular signs and the linking of ideas from one text to another Inter system linkage - change Inter system linkage - change Multiple selves and many voices including the display of those previously marginalised or inaudible Multiple selves and many voices including the display of those previously marginalised or inaudible referentiality– many complex meanings at different levels referentiality– many complex meanings at different levels Declining metanarratives (an abstract idea that is thought to be a comprehensive theoretical explanation of culture, ideology and knowledge). Declining metanarratives (an abstract idea that is thought to be a comprehensive theoretical explanation of culture, ideology and knowledge).