A Rhetorical analysis of MPs’ speeches about entrepreneurship education in 2004–2006

Authors

• Markus Koskinen Helsingin yliopisto
• Mikko Puustinen Helsingin yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6737-124X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.102996

Keywords:

entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, rhetoric, school

Abstract

This recearch examines entrepreneurship education and rhetoric. Members of Parliament produce authoritative speech and they talk a lot about this topic. The research material consists of 26 speeches by MPs focusing entrepreneurship education. We examine the rhetoric of these speeches through rhetorical analysis. Question is: “How do the MPs talk about entrepreneurship education?” In this way it is possible to refine the perception on entrepreneurship education. The rhetorical analysis shows that the discourse of entrepreneurship education praises entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship. The MPs’ discourse is mainly epideictic. This epideictic speech is based on many rhetorical devices such as ethos, logos and pathos, style, order of arguments and oppressive praise. Neoliberal discourse can be found behind these speeches. The discourse is brought out with point of departure that are generally accepted, for example equality and welfare. Rhetorical analysis provides valuable information about MPs’ attitudes towards school. Their relationship to school appears to be financial and entrepreneurial. This allows many new opportunities for future investigation.