13
threat to Cathy but their jointly constructed CEo moves (lines 30 & 31) appear be a
strategy that offers Cathy discursive support rather than criticism. The threat to positive
self-identity in Cathy’s final disclosure (lines 34-35) could potentially elicit further
critical evaluation from the other mothers but Cathy appears to be using this disclosure to
claim sympathy, the inference being that the responsibility of being a mother is tiring her
out.
I feel quite organized this morning: Domesticity and competition, the organized mother.
Successful management of domestic tasks is a topic that in this data-set often
results in discursive competition for social capital. The following conversation refers to
the topic of children’s illness.
Extract 5
54
Sheila: oh there's nothing worse that you know the smell to come home to
55
is there ? (referring to the odour of vomit)
TI
56
Sian: oh the windows are open an I said do it straight away I can't leave
57
leave that (.) oh::: up the wall it went (4.0) well I feel quite organized
58
this morning it's the earliest I've ever got up
CSC
59
Cathy: (laughing) alright alright (.) ooh horrible day
GSM
60
Sian: I was in a state =
SE
61
Cathy:
=
I
bet
! GSM
62
Sheila:
half past seven the washing was in at half past seven
CMA + CSC
Convention