Date of Award
8-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Legacy Department
Professional Communication
Committee Chair/Advisor
Katz, Steven B
Committee Member
Haynes , Cynthia A
Committee Member
Williams , Sean D
Abstract
Organizations have the power to establish the norms of discourse within various fields through organizational style guides. These style guides determine the conventions of discourse that professionals use every day. In this thesis, I explore and articulate the ideological context of some style guides in prominent professions. The institutionalization of discourse is seen through the history of style manuals and is particularly noted within the discourse of contemporary organizations that create style guides. Through an application of the theories of Foucault and Habermas, I discuss how these organizations institutionalize discourse and perpetuate a system of purposive-rational action. In this thesis, I offer an ideological critique of contemporary organizations that publish style guides and perhaps a potential methodology for future investigation.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Dustin, "Institutionalization, Technology, and Power: The Ideological Context of Style Organizations" (2010). All Theses. 863.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/863