I am suggesting neither that there are differences of opinion about concepts which possess an uncontestable core, nor that concepts are linked to incommensurable theories. Rather I see concepts and categories as shaped by political goals and intentions. Contests over the meaning of concepts, it follows, are contests over desired political outcomes. (Bacchi, 1996: 1) […]

Any text is built on some kind of theoretical or conceptual framework that may or may not be made explicit. This places the knowledge presented in a broader epistemological and ontological field. This further allows us to judge its claims and justifications. Chapter 1 therefore outlines the field of language theorizing that has informed my […]

Not Talking about the Same Thing: Introducing Conceptual Literacy In none of the sciences, and not even the perspectives within them… were people talking about the same thing. (Adam, 1990: 5) F or those who are new to social theory and research the multitude of meanings that are given to the same term gives rise […]

I have been so fortunate in the contributions and help I have received in writing this book. First, I must acknowledge the support I have received from the University of Warwick, and from my colleagues in the Department of Continuing Education, for a period of study leave. This certainly eased the task of researching and […]