Connection between "discourse" in sociology?

Question

Hi,

I have a list of terms and concepts that I need to study for my Sociology final and one of the words on the list is "discourse." Does anyone know the specific definition of discourse that connects to sociology?

I know that it has to do with language but I don't know the sociological part of the concept.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

Answer 1

In sociology the "language" connection is weak, and instead we look at authors like Foucault and Hook for our understanding of the term.  As Hook (2001) notes “discourse itself is both constituted by, and ensures the reproduction of, the social system, through forms of selection, exclusion and domination,” (p. 522).  Related terms for Foucault would be governmentality, technologies of domination, and technologies of the self.

In simpler terms, discourse in sociology refers to the unquestioned socially normative "knowledge" or reasonings behind opinions, attitudes, actions, etc.  It is both a display and a reproduction of social power (i.e., why one idea gains more acceptance than another).  

An example would be a discourse of beauty.  At present, there seems to be an equation of beauty with slenderness and health.  If you're not slender, you're ugly and lazy.  The argument would be made that this discourse has become entrenched in order to ensure a fit and productive workforce.