Diskursiv maktkamp i svensk partipolitik : En kvalitativ diskursanalys om svenska partiledardebatter

Sammanfattning

This study examines how antagonism manifests itself in SVT:s final debates in 2014 and 2022. By using discourse analysis with a focus on antagonism, the study is able to examine linguistic expressions that occur in the debates. The study thus takes its starting point in the content of what is expressed, rather than how it is presented. The study is guided by three research questions: How is political antagonism manifested in Swedish party leadership debates? How are political opponents portrayed as threats or irresponsible actors? And what differences and similarities are presented in the final debates based on the concept of antagonism? The theoretical framework for this study is built by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. With specific focus on antagonism, in combination with keywords such as hegemony, discourse, us & them, power and legitimacy to get an in-depth analysis. The results show how antagonism is used and occurs in both final debates with a clear focus on alliances and hostility, specifically in the final debate in 2022 with the cause of stronger alliances and hostility. The study shows the development of political antagonism and how this creates a change focus from the issue of fact to personal fixation in the debates. And discusses how the development of antagonism can be seen to affect democracy. Between 2014 and 2022, the language has slowly developed towards stronger alliances and more personal fixation. Finally, the study shows the role of antagonism in politics and its development between the debates. From political antagonism being a natural part of politics to negatively affecting democracy and the interaction between politicians. Keywords: Antagonism, hegemony, discourse, us & them, power, legitimacy.