Perspective by incongruity in the performance of dialectical ironic analysis: a disciplined approach

Abstract

The importance of dialectic to sociological thought has been recognised by many of the discipline’s most eminent thinkers. Adopting a dialectical world view infused with irony provokes insights revealing logical contradictions, so opening up possibilities for the development of alternative interpretations of the social world. There is, however, very little in the way of method to support the development of dialectical irony as a key analytical tool for the social sciences. This article seeks to remedy this deficit. Drawing on three key examples (trained incapacity, functional stupidity and interpassivity) the article examines Kenneth Burke’s ‘perspective by incongruity’ as a means for interrogating the dialectical moment, so contributing towards the development of dialectical ironic analysis within a methodology of humour.

Opening the ‘black box’: what does observational research reveal about processes and practices of governing?

“…Similarly, Bezemer et al's (2018) study of board chairs produced findings that challenge received opinion regarding the actions of the chair in facilitating good governance, suggesting that 'text book' facilitation behaviours may inhibit active participation of board members. These findings point to the importance of irony as a means to gain insight into governance failure (Watson 2019).…”

On the importance of the dynamics of humour and comedy for constructionism and reflexivity in social science research methodology

“…It might be that social and political ideology is rigorously tested through incongruity rather than referred to as explanation. Watson's (2011Watson's ( , 2015aWatson's ( , 2015bWatson's ( , 2019 work on developing a methodology of humour marries superiority and incongruity approaches. The emphasis in Watson's work is on the ridicule and parody of social phenomena through incongruous conceptual shifts that broadly highlight absurdity but also have potential to create new knowledge.…”

“…This process of discovery need not be limited to irony and can be used to describe many other tropes of incongruity, or of comedy in general. Through a reading of Kenneth Burke on humour and rhetoric, Watson (2019) introduces incongruity to dialectics as a method of analysis and critique, through techniques of 'trained incapacity, functional stupidity and interpassivity ' (p. 91). This builds on Burke's 'perspective by incongruity' or 'planned incongruity' which is the use of incongruity as criticism.…”

“…A growing body of literature exists that suggests there is potential for using humour and comedy in social science research methodology. In sociology (Davis, 2 1979;Watson, 2011Watson, , 2015aWatson, , 2015bWatson, , 2019, geography (Browne, 2016), health research (Wilkinson et al, 2007), folklore studies (Norrick, 2006), theatre and performance (Fox, 2016) and creative writing (Batty & Taylor, 2019), there are calls for humour and comedy to be considered useful theoretical and methodological tools in social science research methodology.…”

Okul Yöneticileri ve Öğretmenlerin Öğretmenlik Kariyer Basamakları Uygulamasıyla İlgili Algıları

“…Araştırmada güvenirliğini (trustworthiness) sağlamak amacıyla öncelikle yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formunun uzman görüşü alınarak hazırlanması sağlanmıştır. Ayrıca görüşmelerin tamamı bittikten on gün sonra katılımcı teyidini sağlamak için bazı katılımcılar ile yüz yüze görüşülüp verdikleri cevaplar aktarılmıştır (Watson, 2018). Aynı zamanda bulgular kısmı yazılırken katılımcıların sorulara verdiği cevaplardan bazı bölümler direkt aktarma yapılarak geçerlik ve güvenirliğin artırılması amaçlanmıştır.…”