Partnering for research: A critical discourse analysis

Abstract

Using a critical discourse analysis, informed by poststructuralist theory, we explore the research phenomenon of coerced partnership. This lens allows us to pay attention to the social relations of power operating in knowledge generation processes, especially as they affect feminist researchers in adult education. We propose an alternative vision of partnership which politicizes the term partnership, attends to civil society, maps resistances and values the process by all partners.

A General Critical Discourse Analysis Framework for Educational Research

“…Methods were identified (e.g., qualitative analysis software, memoing) and decisions supported or explained. Irving and English (2008) Researchers' backgrounds, relevant experiences in the topic area, and interest in the project were described in rich detail.…”

“…Authors share power with others equitably. Irving and English (2008) Contextualized Partner Partnership Co-create Uniquely Acceptance of others' perspectives.…”

Developing local managers in the Ghanaian mining industry: an indigenous talent model

“…All practices are means of production because they are arenas within which social life is produced (Fairclough, 2001). One of the important aspects of CDA analysis is looking at the everyday background in addition to the historical, economic, cultural and political environments in which data (language and practice) are produced (Irving and English, 2008;Prentice, 2010) National managers therefore become controlled participants or onlookers in the context of their development instead of agency to resist power to heighten their influence to change (van Dijk, 1993). As the quotation above shows this line of distinction makes national managers less powerful to put their (Western) knowledge and exposure to use in tackling the talent problem as they lack power in the form of controlled access to discourse.…”

“…Resistance to social change is usually put forward by the powerful group who do this in order to sustain their dominance. However, the marginalised and powerless can also resist the power and domination, as any configuration of power/knowledge creates its own particular room for resistance (Irving and English, 2008). Resistance by the powerless is expressed in: The government (through the Minerals Commission) however refutes this strategic device:…”

Of what benefit and to whom? Linking Australian humanities research with its ‘end users’

“…None of the strategies or KPIs listed relate directly to social or cultural benefits. Furthermore, the ARC consistently refers to the end user as a 'partner' (specifically, a Partner Organisation)-a term that designates economic ties (Irving & English, 2008). There is evidence, therefore, of a hierarchy of knowledge being valued in government policy.…”