Representing Communities: Discourse and Contexts

This edited collection offers the latest research into the reproduction of `hegemonic' discourse and the ways in which the description and evaluation of social groups affects their ability to exercise cultural and political autonomy. The book examines the representations of a number of communities and social groups, both within their `micro-contexts', and with reference to the economic, political, social, cultural and technological `macro-contexts' in which they are embedded. The analysis highlights the connections between discourse, power, dominance and social inequality, focusing on patriarchal, capitalist and postcolonial representations and power imbalances. Based on a combination of theoretical and empirical analyses, the collection offers an array of macro-social critiques based on the analysis and critical understanding of contemporary contexts and representations, and how they contribute to political, social, economic and cultural practices.