A methodological approach to content analysis based on the actors’ discourse. A social research study on local development processes (Loja, Ecuador)

Abstract

The content analysis is at the core of a large number of social studies. On the other hand, the stakeholder analysis has been widely used in the study of local development processes from different approaches. However, this paper aims to show the potential and advantages of content analysis based on the actors’ discourse involved in local development processes. Primary information obtained from interviews conducted with a sample of social, economic and institutional actors linked to the starting up and operation of Villonaco Wind Farm (Loja, Ecuador), has been taken as a starting point. According to the Ecuadorian government, this wind farm should have a clear projection in local development, hence the interest in the analysis of these processes using this methodological approach. Software MAXQDA is used to show the potential of content analysis. This tool allows, after the encoding process of information, to analyze the various topics and subtopics that define the positions adopted by the actors and their appraisals of the studied processes.