Co-Cultural Theory

Co-Cultural Theory

Co-Cultural Theory

Adopting dominant group codes in attempts to make one’s identity less visible, conforming to commonly accepted beliefs about group members as a strategic means to exploit them for personal gain, and inflicting psychological pain through personal attacks on dominant group members personal frame, are key descriptions of factors the are used during Co-Cultural Communicative practice (2008). Co-Cultural Communication includes several factors that influence one to converge and diverge in order to feel welcomed by the dominant group.
Throughout, Co-Cultural Communication Theory there are dynamics that impact interracial communication. Field of experience plays a significant role in how you communicate with other groups. The cost and rewards are typically for minority groups, having networking abilities and the same communication abilities, as the dominant group is a salient factor in the communication process as well. Lastly, your preferred outcome will allow for multiple approaches to be readily approachable. Co-Cultural theory uses language as a tool because those who are the minority group use different tools of language than the dominant group and the enacted frame will be determined through their prism.
Origins
It all began with an individual with a constant wave of culture shock and the desire to study different dynamics of communication. In the fall of 1990, a man by name of Mark P Orbe began his explorations of race, culture, gender and communication. During his explorations, Orbe not only constructed a “muted group” theory but the foundations were built on co-cultural issues. “The focus of my particular interest was, not on how existing power dynamics create a muted group framework, but how individual and small collectives worked together to negotiate their muted group status” (Orbe).
Orbe wanted to reinforce and overcome societal issues that render and alter the center of power. The phrase “Muted Group” oppressed ethic groups...

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