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

This book 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 which fosters a critically insightful vantage point into the complexities of culture, power and communication. Key coverage includes: a review and critique of the literature on co-cultural communication; a description of how the perspective of co-cultural group members were involved in each stage of theory development; and 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. About the Author Mark P. Orbe (PhD, 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.