Critical discourse analysis in the study of representation, identity politics and power relations: a multi-method approach

This article sheds light on the principles of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as an approach for uncovering power relations in the study of identity politics. To evaluate this approach, I draw from my experience investigating the role of language use and the meaning contained in the discourses reproduced in two main newspapers in Spain when referring to Spaniards in relation to immigrants from the Global South. Drawing from this case study, I argue that CDA is an invaluable approach when used to expose patterns of language use which allows for uncovering, vis-a-vis critical evaluation, the production of knowledge in society. However, using CDA involves developing a creative research design. A multidisciplinary and multimethodological approach, I argue, is desirable when researching in CDA to seek explanation, to fully uncovering and explaining obscured exploitative/unequal social power relations, and to enact social change.