UPDATE 24 MAY – HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT, BECAUSE OF THE UCU STRIKE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

Delivered by Professor Audley Genus, Kingston University

In the seminar, I argue that a more rounded understanding of how to respond effectively to the challenges posed by human-made climate change may be obtained by drawing on an institutional perspective. In particular I advance an approach which combines neo-institutional theory and critical discourse analysis in a complementary way. Such a discourse-institutional view has a number of benefits: (1) institutionally, it moves analysis beyond the usual if understandable focus on the activities and policies of government; (2) due attention is given to a view of institutions as stable but potentially changeable norms, professional standards, culture, and ingrained habit; (3) the language basis of institutions is duly recognized; and (4) connections among language in text, and in discursive and social practice are acknowledged, as are their role in processes of (non- or de-) institutionalization. The presentation summarizes the suggested approach, and illustrates it with reference to the example of the diffusion of renewable energy technologies.

The seminar will take place in room C21, in the Pariser Building on Sackville Street– number 12 on the map here-  http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/maps/interactive-map/?id=9