Discourse analysis of ‘Guy talk’
To me, discourse analysis, is a qualitative approach for exploring how feelings are expressed through language. There are many aspects of language that can be addressed such as, sentence structure (syntax), grammar and punctuation accuracy, idioms/puns used, colloquial language etc I think discourse analysis is very much linked to culture and how that culture translates certain ideologies, assumptions and even prejudices. This is very useful for understanding social interactions and can be linked to health in society and how certain communities respond to various disease.
The nature of discourse analysis is perfect for topics such as sexual health, as much can be deduced from the language used with regards to attitudes within sexual health.
Study by University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- STI test rates remain low when it is still a serious health problem among many young men
- “Sexually active men who avoid discussing sexual health have an increased risk of contracting an STI compared to those who discuss sexual health (as well as other health-related consequences)”
- Research was done to explore the discourses that enable, or rather do not enable, young men to communicate about their sexual health
- Instead of focusing on the health aspect, many conversations around sexual health focused on sexual encounters, ‘guy talk.’
- The issue of ‘masculinity’ was discussed in depth in the study and how it links in with the extent to which sexual health is discussed amongst social groups/peers
- It was interesting because the study claimed that the young men would not discuss sexual health with their peers as it has links to ‘self-help,’ this interfered with the ‘masculinity’ concept.
Discourse analysis in topics such as sexual health is very important. It can help identify what type of health behaviours/attitudes that need to be targeted in order to improve health amongst a society.
http://youthsexualhealth.ubc.ca/files/2011/06/J-Knight-MasculinitiesGuyTalk.pdf
