Introducing the Hegemonic Tolerance Framework: The Case of the British Monarchy

Osman, Sonny James (2024) Introducing the Hegemonic Tolerance Framework: The Case of the British Monarchy. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This thesis advances the original theoretical concept of ‘hegemonic tolerance’ to describe a potential outcome of discursive modes of control that sustains and reproduces domination without the requirement of producing, or manufacturing consent. The ‘hegemonic tolerance framework’ is introduced as a replicable, operationalisable discourse-analytical framework through which to uncover specific ideological features of control in discourse that enable this form of non-consensual hegemony. To explicate this framework, I situate this study within the broad context of antagonism - or apparent lack thereof - surrounding the British monarchy. The constitutional status of the British monarchy means it does not (necessarily) require consent to sustain itself. Rather, dominance is secured through discursive modes of control. Specifically, news texts pertaining to the alleged sexual assault of Virginia Giuffre by Prince Andrew - a site where one might/should expect to see critical voices and views featured - were analysed through the methodological lens of the hegemonic tolerance framework, to develop insight into how hegemonic tolerance might be enacted discursively. This case is particularly apposite because, given the overwhelmingly negative context of this event, one might reasonably expect dissenting ideologies to be an unavoidable feature of news reporting. The primary data - nine online news texts pertaining to these allegations - are analysed using qualitative approaches. The hegemonic tolerance framework is inspired by critical discourse-analytical approaches and techniques, and uses an inventory of linguistic tools to uncover, and analyse deeply embedded ideological features in texts. The value of the framework is reflected in the main findings. Namely, I use it to uncover subtleties that favour elite/tolerant ideologies, and disfavour alternatives, such that the prevailing narrative is carefully controlled. This (re)establishes dominance by placing limits over what can/cannot be expressed, such that hegemonic tolerance is produced. The thesis contributes to the field of critical discourse studies, and to the wider study of hegemonic power, by problematising traditional interpretations of how hegemony is actualised. The framework can, and should, be replicated in other, contexts in order to develop further insight into ideological operations of hegemony in discourse that have societal implications.