Identity, categorization and sequential organization: the sequential and categorial flow of identity in a radio phone-in

Radio phone-in programmes have been the subject of a number of studies using the methodology of conversation analysis. Although this has been successful in making apparent the sequential organization of this type of interaction, little has been said about its categorial organization. Adopting an ethnomethodological approach, it is demonstrated in this article that interaction on public access radio can be seen to rely upon categorial and sequential identities built up and developed upon over the course of interaction. By paying attention to the categorial features within media interaction, together with the sequential organization, it is possible to examine the way identities are reflexively developed in conjunction with the sequential flow of interaction. This in turn allows an analysis able to address the multilayered organizational methods used by members as part of the on-going flow of interaction.

[1]  Harvey Sacks.  On the Analysability of Stories by Children , 1972 .

[2]  E. Schegloff,et al.  A simplest systematics for the organization of turn-taking for conversation , 1974 .

[3]  D. R. Watson.  Categorization, Authorization and Blame - Negotiation in Conversation , 1978 .

[4]  J. M. Atkinson.  Structures of Social Action: Contents , 1985 .

[5]  I. Hutchby.  The Pursuit of Controversy: Routine Skepticism in Talk on `Talk Radio' , 1992 .

[6]  Ian Hutchby,et al.  Confrontation talk: Aspects of ‘interruption’ in argument sequences on talk radio , 1992 .

[7]  S. Döpke,et al.  The effect of the institution: Openings in talkback radio , 1992 .

[8]  Peter Eglin,et al.  Category, predicate and task: The pragmatics of practical action , 1992 .

[9]  Rod Watson.  Harvey Sacks's Sociology of Mind in Action , 1994 .

[10]  Harvey Sacks,et al.  Lectures on Conversation , 1995 .

[11]  Ian Hutchby,et al.  Aspects of recipient design in expert advice‐giving on call‐in radio , 1995 .

[12]  Harvey Sacks,et al.  Lectures on Conversation: Sacks/Lectures on Conversation , 1995 .

[13]  George Psathas,et al.  Talk and Social Structure , 1995 .

[14]  I. Hutchby.  Confrontation Talk: Arguments, Asymmetries, and Power on Talk Radio , 1996 .

[15]  Ian Hutchby,et al.  Power in Discourse: The Case of Arguments on a British Talk Radio Show , 1996 .

[16]  Hester,et al.  Some General Reflections on Categorization and Sequence in the Analysis of Conversation , 1997 .

[17]  David J. Silverman,et al.  Harvey Sacks: Social Science and Conversation Analysis , 1998 .

[18]  Ian Hutchby.  Frame attunement and footing in the organisation of talk radio openings , 1999 .

[19]  Dietram A. Scheufele.  Talk or Conversation? Dimensions of Interpersonal Discussion and Their Implications for Participatory Democracy , 2000 .

[20]  W. Housley,et al.  Categorisation, Narrative and Devolution in Wales , 2001 .

[21]  I. Hutchby,et al.  `Witnessing': The Use of First-Hand Knowledge in Legitimating Lay Opinions on Talk Radio , 2001 .

[22]  J. Thornborrow,et al.  Authenticating Talk: Building Public Identities in Audience Participation Broadcasting , 2001 .

[23]  Joanna Thornborrow.  Questions, Control and the Organization of Talk in Calls to a Radio Phone-In , 2001 .

[24]  William Housley,et al.  The reconsidered model of membership categorization analysis , 2002 .

[25]  Marcyliena H. Morgan.  Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language , 2002 .

[26]  William Housley,et al.  Moral Discrepancy and `Fudging the Issue' in a Radio News Interview , 2002 .