Critical discourse analysis as a tool in psychosocial research on the world of work. Discussions from Latin America

Abstract

This article presents the theoretical-methodological perspective of critical discourse analysis and, within this, a three-dimensional framework of discourse developed by Norman Fairclough. We note the way in which these approaches can enrich the field of psychosocial research on work in Latin America, shedding light on the discursive dimensions of the productive restructuration and work flexibilization processes implemented in diverse countries of the region. We argue that, in spite of the important development and renewal of this field in Latin America over the last ten years, the incorporation of the conceptual tools of discourse analysis remains scarce, thereby hindering the study of the emerging modalities of the use of language that characterize the new capitalism. © Universitas Psychologica Universidad Javeriana 2010.