Qualitative Data Analysis : An Introduction

1
Qualitative Data Analysis An Introduction

• Carol Grbich
• Chapter 14 Structural and Post Structural
  analysis

2
Definitions

• 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
• 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

3
Structuralism

• 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?
• Strengths the approach helps to clarify broad
  cultural values
• Weaknesses this form of precision signifier
  signified may not sufficiently represent the
  complexities of meaning

4
Structuralism Process

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

5
Post structuralism

• 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?
• Strengths the capacity to go beyond superficial
  meanings
• Weaknesses too much pulling apart of the text
  can lead to meaninglessness

6
Post structuralism Process 1.

• Take the position of accepting nothing and
  rejecting nothing in a critical and sceptical
  reading, seek an understanding of the texts
  structure, its content and its omissions.
• 2. In the seeking of threads to rupture the
  text
• find dualities or binary opposites
• allow the arguments of the text to challenge each
  other
• identify any contradictions and inconsistencies
  (ideas, metaphors etc)
• locate any generalisations and use these to
  undermine any principles used
• place argument against argument, find the
  exceptions
• 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
• seek out links with other texts

7
Post structuralism Process 2.

• 3. 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
• avoid making any absolute statements
• stay close to the language of the text
• cultivate ambiguity and ambivalence
• remember that this is a transitional not a finite
  text that you are creating - it should resist
  closure
• (adapted from Rosenau, 1992 120-1 and Boje and
  Dennehy (1994 340)

8
Deconstructive strategies

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

9
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
• Inter system linkage - change
• Multiple selves and many voices including the
  display of those previously marginalised or
  inaudible
• 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).