At the FFU we work in different projects with a discourse analysis approach. The objective of discourse analysis is to analyse how different actors perceive and conceptualise (‘frame’) complex issues, for example climate change, the use of natural resources or the Euro crises. Discourse analysis is a method to systemise debates, this means, to characterise the positions of the different actors and to identify the different lines of argument (‘discourses’).
Discourses contain views on the nature of and causalities that lead to a problem; on adequate policy goals, indicators and instruments; and whose duty it is to eliminate the problem (addressees).To enforce one discourse over another discourse – the so called, “framing” of a problem – is hence a political act, which is closely connected to the interests of the actors. In other words, in a discourse analysis we research the societal and political effects of discourses, i.e. the effects of power from discourses.