Dialogic Relations and Interactions as an Alternative to Power

Abstract

This chapter presents a theoretical debate on the concept of communicative acts in dialogue with Searle’s speech acts theory and Habermas’ use speech acts in his theory of communicative action. I discuss how a theory of communicative acts conceives the existence of both power and dialogic interactions within the social structure, as well as other dimensions of the communication such as body language or accounting for more than speakers’ intentions. In a second part, this theory is linked to the communicative methodology of research and exemplified through CREA’s research with the Roma people. While research about the Roma have been traditionally dominated by power interactions, communicative research with them is based on an inter-subjective dialogue. Finally, I draw some reflections to continue advancing the development of transformative scientific knowledge that can contribute so social change.