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The discourse of resistance: Social change and policing in Northern Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2007

JOHN WILSON  and
KARYN STAPLETON
JOHN WILSON
Affiliation:
School of Communication, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, j.wilson@ulster.ac.uk
KARYN STAPLETON
Affiliation:
School of Communication, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, k.stapleton@ulster.ac.uk
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Abstract

Modern social theory highlights the role of language in social change/reproduction, yet rarely draws on actual linguistic resources or theory. Equally, sociolinguistics situates linguistic practice within the social domain, but only weakly makes links to social theory. Using a linguistic analysis of policing discourses in Northern Ireland, this article considers how such analyses can both inform and be informed by broader social theories. Policing is a contentious issue for nationalists, and despite recent reforms, many continue to regard the (new) police force with suspicion. Data from nationalist women in Belfast are used to explore the thematic frameworks and interactional/pragmatic strategies (pragmatic blocking) through which the speakers jointly produce a “discourse of resistance,” effectively blocking acceptance of the new service. The analysis is discussed in relation to theories of social change (with particular reference to Bourdieu's habitus). Considered are implications for sociolinguistics, social theory, and policing policy in Northern Ireland.This article derives from an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded study (Award No. RES 00-22-0257).

Keywords

policingNorthern Irelandnationalistsdiscoursehabitusresistancepragmatic blockingsocial theory
Type
Research Article
Information
Language in Society , Volume 36 , Issue 3 , July 2007 , pp. 393 - 425
Copyright
© 2007 Cambridge University Press

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