Discursive Consciousness
From Geography
Discursive Consciousness In his structuration theory Anthony Giddens distinguishes three levels of consciousness in his so called three-stage model (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009, p. 41) which is based on and still different from elements of classical action theory as well as psycho-analytic elements (ibid.). Discursive consciousness refers to awareness of and reflectiveness on individual actions which is actually reported on in a discursive waz. Actors are able to verbally express motives behind their actions (Giddens, 1984). When we give a discursive explanation we explicitly put our actions into words. However the motives which are expressed are various in kind, e.g. if I explain why I chose for a mode of transportation, here the bike, I can reason, that I am about to go to work or I can say that I want to avoid pollution.
Yet reflected intended actions can have unintended consequences also (Lippuner et al., 2009, pp. 41-42). Discursive consciousness is linked to the second stage of the model, practical consciousness, whereby the actor does not put his action into words but acts less refelectively on practical knowledge. The third stage of the model is “unconsciousness”. Here mechanisms of repression are at work instead of conscious choices. The border between discursive consciousness and practical consciousness is dynamic and not clearly definable (Lippuner and Werlen). What is more is that unconscious motivation to act is possible, in the sense that the actor interpretes the motives as “needs” or “desires” (ibid., pp. 41-42) .
References
- Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society. University of California Press: Berkeley and Los Angeles.
- Lippuner, R. & Werlen, B. (2009). Structuration Theory. Elsevier.
Contributors
- Page created by --SusanVerbeij 08:06, 7 October 2011 (UTC)
- Page enhanced by Janna Voelpel, s3015041JannaVolpel 15:00, 7 May 2012 (CEST)
