Bawarshi's Argumentative Analysis
Bawarshi and Miller both argue that genre is a dynamic means of classifying and establishing socially appropriate rhetorical and discursive conduct. Genre is both followed and emulated–shaped and necessitated by social exigence.
Miller argues that genre can serve as a reconciliation between “private intentions and social exigence” (Miller 163). Through providing the reader with examples of appropriate action in response to recurrent social dilemmas, personal actions will become congruent with those “[typified in] rhetorical action” (Miller 163). Miller also notes that genre extends beyond literary form, serving as “both an index to cultural patterns and…keys to understanding how to participate in the actions of a community” (Miller 165). In
both cases, genre serves as a guide to social and community participation. Miller’s believes that genre serves as a tool of “ethnomethodology”, one which teaches a social order that can be followed. It is through this “typification that we create reoccurrence, analogies, [and] similarities” that can be applied to varying situations (Miller 157).
While Miller sees genre as a response to social action, Bawarshi sees genres as “rhetorical environments within which we recognize, enact…and reproduce various situations, practices, relations, and identities” (Bawarshi 336). Bawarshi views genre as an established standard rather than a direct response to social exigence. He argues that “individuals communicate… within genres…so… participants in any communicative act assume genre-constituted roles while interacting with one another” (Bawarshi 348). Bawarshi illustrates this point when referring to a doctor’s office.
Miller argues that genre can serve as a reconciliation between “private intentions and social exigence” (Miller 163). Through providing the reader with examples of appropriate action in response to recurrent social dilemmas, personal actions will become congruent with those “[typified in] rhetorical action” (Miller 163). Miller also notes that genre extends beyond literary form, serving as “both an index to cultural patterns and…keys to understanding how to participate in the actions of a community” (Miller 165). In
both cases, genre serves as a guide to social and community participation. Miller’s believes that genre serves as a tool of “ethnomethodology”, one which teaches a social order that can be followed. It is through this “typification that we create reoccurrence, analogies, [and] similarities” that can be applied to varying situations (Miller 157).
While Miller sees genre as a response to social action, Bawarshi sees genres as “rhetorical environments within which we recognize, enact…and reproduce various situations, practices, relations, and identities” (Bawarshi 336). Bawarshi views genre as an established standard rather than a direct response to social exigence. He argues that “individuals communicate… within genres…so… participants in any communicative act assume genre-constituted roles while interacting with one another” (Bawarshi 348). Bawarshi illustrates this point when referring to a doctor’s office.