discursive practice

Meaning

This term refers to the ways in which language, communication, and social institutions interact to shape knowledge, power dynamics, and social reality. Derived from critical theory and linguistics, it describes how what we say and write is constrained and structured by cultural norms. It is used in formal academic contexts like sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies.

Examples

• Foucault argued that power is maintained through everyday discursive practice within institutions.

  Foucault argued that power is maintained through everyday discursive practice within institutions.

• The paper analyzes how legal jargon functions as a discursive practice that excludes laypeople.

  The paper analyzes how legal jargon functions as a discursive practice that excludes laypeople.

• We must examine the discursive practice of the media to understand how public opinion is shaped.

  We must examine the discursive practice of the media to understand how public opinion is shaped.

• In academic writing, citing sources is a standardized discursive practice.

  In academic writing, citing sources is a standardized discursive practice.

• Her research explores how gender roles are reinforced through classroom discursive practice.

  Her research explores how gender roles are reinforced through classroom discursive practice.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The professor had a very long discursive practice during the lecture.

  ✓ The professor gave a very discursive lecture.

  'Discursive practice' is a sociological concept about language systems, not a synonym for speaking at length or rambling.

• ✗ I need to do my discursive practice for English class tomorrow.

  ✓ I need to practice my discursive essay writing for English class tomorrow.

  'Discursive practice' is an analytical concept, not a homework assignment or a study exercise.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The sociologist examined how corporate advertising acts as a __________ that normalizes consumerism.

  💡 A language-based social process that shapes reality.

  Show answer

  discursive practice

• In critical theory, scientific inquiry is viewed not just as neutral observation, but as a specific __________.

  💡 A system of communication governed by institutional rules.

  Show answer

  discursive practice