Constructing Co-Cultural Theory: An Explication of Culture, Power, and Communication

by Mark P. Orbe

Overview

How do people traditionally situated on the margins of societyùpeople of color, women, gays/lesbians/bisexuals, and those from a lower socio-economic statusùcommunicate within the dominant societal structures? Constructing Co-Cultural Theory presents a phenomenological framework for understanding the intricate relationship between culture, power, and communication. Grounded in muted group and standpoint theory, this volume presents a theoretical framework that fosters a critically insightful vantage point into the complexities of culture, power, and communication. The volume comprises six chapters; key coverage includes: a review of critique of the literature on co-cultural communication; description of how the perspective of co-cultural group members were involved in each stage of theory development; an explication of 25 co-cultural communication strategies, and a model of six factors that influence strategy selection. The final chapter examines how co-cultural theory correlates with other work in communication generally and in intercultural communication specifically. Author Mark P. Orbe considers inherent limitations of his framework and the implication for future research in this area. Scholars and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students will find that this volume covers an important topic which will be of interest to those in the fields of communication, cultural studies, and race and ethnic studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761910688
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	09/25/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	108
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mark P. Orbe (Ph D, Ohio University) is professor of communication and diversity in the School of Communication at Western Michigan University, where he also holds a joint appointment in the gender and women’s studies program. He conducts research in interpersonal-intercultural communication, co-cultural communication, intergroup relations, mass media representations of underrepresented group members, and negotiation/intersection of multiple cultural identities. Over his career, has published ten books and hundreds of journal articles and book chapters. He is also founder and president of Dumela Communications, a full-service consulting company that specializes in providing services for clients committed to enhancing their communication cultural competencies.

Table of Contents

An Introduction into Co-Cultural Communication
Foundations of Muted Group and Standpoint Theory
Explicating Phenomenological Inquiry
Co-Cultural Communicative Practices
Clarifying a Co-Cultural Communication Process
Limitations, Extensions and Future Directions