Concordance lines: What are they and how can they be used to explore representation?

This chapter introduces several key concepts related to concordance line analysis and explores how they can be used to study representation. It begins by introducing the concept of a concordance line and, supported by worked examples and case studies, it discusses how concordance lines are a useful window onto the wider social context. The chapter then offers a step-by-step guide to getting started with a concordance analysis and offers two activities for readers to try themselves. The chapter finishes by reflecting on good practice, potential pitfalls and ongoing areas of academic debate.