Critical Policy Discourse Analysis

Critical Policy Discourse Analysis bridges the literature on critical discourse analysis (CDA) and critical policy analysis to provide a practical guide on how to combine these major approaches to critical social science. The volume gives a clear introduction to concepts and analytical procedures for critical policy discourse analysis. Utilising ten international case studies, the authors explain and critically reflect upon the methods and theories that they have used to successfully integrate CDA with critical policy studies across a diverse range of policy issues.

Case studies are used to explore issues in economics, health, education, crisis management, the environment, language and energy policy. Analysing these through discursive methodological approaches in the traditions of CDA, social semiotics and discourse theory, this book connects this discursive methodology systematically to the field of critical policy studies.

This is an essential read for researchers wishing to practically combine methods of CDA with critical policy studies. It provides key insights for politics scholars looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of the impact and analysis of discourse.

Contributors include: T. Bartlett, D. Caterina, M. Farrelly, S. Horrod, N. Montesano Montessori, J. Mulderrig, J.F. Palma Carvajal, M. Poutanen, M. Rieder, K. Savski, H. Theine

'An exciting, important and, above all, extremely useful collection of essays, offering excellent and practical guidance on how to conduct critical policy discourse analysis. Timely and highly recommended.'
- Colin Hay, Sciences Po, France

'Uncovering dominance and addressing learned helplessness is part of any effort to enact change, especially when faced with wicked problems. However, change agents are not always equipped to deal with that adequately. This volume presents methodology and examples of how to do so by connecting theory and practice, insiders and outsiders, and micro events and macro processes. It points to powerful ideas and subtle craft and will inspire not only scholars but also practitioners seeking to better understand and address the complexities involved.'
- Hans Vermaak, Sioo, Twynstra and NSOB, the Netherlands

'This fascinating and varied collection admirably achieves its aim of demonstrating the value of integrating critical discourse analysis with critical policy studies. In so doing, the Critical Policy Discourse Analysis enriches our understanding of policy discourse and sharpens our methodological means of doing so. Operating through a fascinating set of case studies that range from a study of Nokia through to Slovenian language policy, and looking at the production of ideas like ''competition'' and ''fiscal discipline'', the volume emphasises the meaning-making practices involved in the production and interpretation of policy. This is done through a detailed textual analysis of policy combined with innovative conceptual and methodological arguments. Maintaining a critical edge, the approaches gathered here all move from a normative study of discourse to an explanatory critique concerned with the role of social power and power relations.'
- Jonathan Joseph, University of Bristol, UK

'Finally, a very timely and useful volume which addresses scholars and graduate students in the Social Sciences, and - importantly - also policy makers as well as practitioners. The chapters illustrate how systematic interdisciplinary, in-depth textual analysis of policy documents, on the one hand, and of debates about policies, on the other, allow for an understanding and explanation of the complexity of policy processes and procedures in innovative ways.'
- Ruth Wodak, Lancaster University, UK