Dewey Decimal Classification in an era of globalization - toward pluralistic classifications? : A study of the 200's based on quantitative content analysis and discourse theory

Classification systems constitute important tools within the field of knowledge organisation. The following bachelor thesis addresses Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and discusses the potential of bias in the religion class. Prior to this essay, DDC has been criticised for its biased representations, and for conveying an ethnocentric conception of the world. In this era of globalization, there is a want of classification systems that reflect multicultural societies – in other words, classification systems that consist of pluralistic (world)views. This thesis focuses on the 200’s of DDC, with the purpose of illuminating the degree of religious pluralism therein; more specifically, the thesis answers the following questions: 1) what discourse(s) dominates the religion section of DDC 23?, and 2) which groups and perspectives are being marginalized as a consequence of the dominating discourse(s) within the religion section of DDC 23? In order to answer the questions stated above, the analysis is carried out by means of the theoretical framework by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe regarding discourses. In addition to the discourse analysis, a quantitative content analysis is also performed. This mixed methods approach outlines the frequencies and discursive formations of terms occurring in the 200’s, and accordingly generates the following implications: 1) the religion section of DDC 23 is dominated by a Christian discourse, and 2) the groups and perspectives that are being marginalized consists of all religions other than Christianity. Hence, the degree of pluralism within the religion section of DDC 23 is considered to be low