An object-oriented approach to education policy research: Deepening the analysis through an activity-theoretical and critical discourse analytic framework

O'Connell, Catherine (2017) An object-oriented approach to education policy research: Deepening the analysis through an activity-theoretical and critical discourse analytic framework. Learning Culture and Social Interaction, 13. pp. 11-22. ISSN 2210-6561

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Abstract

This paper responds to current conceptual interest in the policy object as a unit of analysis in education policy research. The theoretical perspectives of activity systems theory and critical discourse analysis are combined in a transdisciplinary framework to provide a fine- grained analysis of policy deliberation and a broader methodological apparatus with which to study discourse and activity. The value of this framework is illustrated through analysis of a policy-oriented text produced by a UK higher education mission group (the University Alliance) in the period preceding the UK general election in 2015. The analysis demonstrates how artefacts are deployed to mediate the policy object and illuminates how the group is claiming space in the policy sphere to challenge traditional constructions of research excellence which deprivilege this group. The emancipatory contribution of this form of strategic critique for policy communities is discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	“NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in <Learning Culture and Social Interaction>. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Learning Culture and Social Interaction, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210656116301349
Keywords:	Policy research Critical discourse analysis Activity systems theory Higher Education
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Education
Depositing User:	Catherine O'Connell
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2017 10:06
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2024 15:10
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/1843

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