Encircling discourses—A guide to critical discourse analysis in caring science

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aim of this article was to introduce Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (CDA) in caring and nursing science, to provide a guide on how to perform such an analysis, and to describe the wider context of discourse epistemology.DesignThe article is designed as a methodological paper, including (a) epistemological roots of discourse analysis, (b) an overview of discourse analytical research within caring and nursing science which points out an increased trend, and (c) a guide to conducting a CDA.AnalysisIt is important that discourse analysis is available and accessible to nursing and caring researchers. Through the process of encircling discourses, valuable insight is given into fields that otherwise would be lost or would not be available.ConclusionOur summary stance is that discourse analysis as it is presented in this article is strongly advisable for use in nursing and caring sciences.