ABSTRACT

In contrast to the first perspective in discursive psychology, the second one as explained by Potter and Wetherell is critical and constructivist. Discourse is viewed as action oriented and is analysed to make visible, relations of power and ideology through the notion of interpretative repertoires. The chapter explains Potter and Wetherell’s methodology, how it is better than the previous approaches in studying human behaviour and the applicability of interpretative repertoires to social issues such as racism in New Zealand. Since the operation of emotions is a major theme in discursive psychology, the chapter also maps the study of affect/emotions in relation to discourse and ideology for a fuller understanding of subjectivity and gender.