The critical discourse analysis paradox : a brief research reflection

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a means of criticising or critiquing the social order of power, inequality and hegemony in language. Within a doctoral study CDA was used to determine if social power, dominance, and inequality are enacted and reproduced through the text and talk of key participants. A reflection of the researcher experiences is provided as the results were analysed and prepared for publication. The discussion highlights there are other also discourses of power and hegemony which may impact researchers and authors themselves as they report and discuss discourse which marginalises those individuals and groups for whom the research is being conducted. As researchers and academics attempt to articulate and discuss discourse which marginalise and stigmatise, they need to acknowledge and recognise the discourse, which impacts their own ability to advocate for change, adjustment and empowerment