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This chapter provides an introduction to structural and post-structural analysis, exploring the study of signs, their meanings, and the processes of meaning transmission. Structuralism focuses on identifying commonly accepted meanings of signs within a culture, while post-structuralism aims to deconstruct texts and uncover deeper layers of meaning. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed, along with practical research methods and strategies.
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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 • 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
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
Structuralism: Process • Seek the way effects are created through metaphors, repetition and binary opposites. • Identify meanings of signs in context and in the culture
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
Post structuralism Process 1. • 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: • 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
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)
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.
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).
