Brought to you by:

From the Margins to the CenterMark P. Orbe & Regina E. Spellers’

Utilizing Co-cultural theory in diverse contexts

Brought to you by:

BLUE

TEAM

Co-cultural theory overviewFactors of interaction among underrepresented & dominant group members:• Preferred outcome options;

(What communication behaviour will lead to the effect that I desire?)– Assimilation (conformity)– Accommodation (pluralism without hierarchy)– Separation (reject common bond)

• Field of experience – sum of the individual’s lived experience, influence of their past

• Abilities to enact different practices • Situational context • Perceived costs and rewards• Communication approach

– non-assertive, – assertive, – aggressive

Assimilation toDominant Group

Nonassertive Assimilation (blend in)• Emphasizing commonalities – downplay/ignore differences• Developing positive face – more considerate/polite/attentive than others• Censoring self –silent when comments are inappropriate/insulting/offensive• Averting controversy – stay away from dangerous subject areasAssertive Assimilation (standing out)• Extensive preparation – do detailed (mental/concrete) groundwork• Overcompensating – conscious response to fear of discrimination; “superstar”• Manipulating stereotypes – conform to commonly held beliefs; exploit them• Bargaining –make covert/overt arrangement to agree to ignore differencesAggressive Assimilation (fitting in)• Dissociating – break all connection with behaviors associated with your culture• Mirroring – adopt dominant codes; make your identity (totally?) invisible• Strategic distancing – avoid association with similar others; appear distinct• Ridiculing self – participate in discourse demeaning to self (passive or not)

Accommodation in a new group

Nonassertive Accommodation (delicate influence)• Increasing visibility - covertly, strategically, maintain diverse presence• Dispelling stereotypes - just be one’s self

Assertive Accommodation• Communicating self - authentic, open, genuine manner; strong self-

concepts• Intergroup networking - identify & work with those who share common

philosophies/convictions/goals• Utilizing liaisons - identify others for support/guidance/assistance• Educating others – enlightening others of new norms, values, etc.

Aggressive Accommodation (work with, not against; promote change)• Confronting – may even violate the “rights” of others• Gaining advantage - reference to oppression to provoke & gain advantage

Separation from Dominant Group

Nonassertive Separation• Avoiding - maintain a distance; avoid activities/locations/interaction• Maintaining barriers - impose a psychological distance from others

(verbally/nonverbally)

Assertive Separation• Exemplifying strength - promote recognition of similar other’s

strengths/accomplishments/contributions• Embracing stereotypes - apply a negotiated reading to others

perception and merge them into a positive self-concept

Aggressive Separation• Attacking - inflict psychological pain; attack other’s self-concept• Sabotaging others - undermine the ability of others to take full

advantage of their privilege inherent in dominant structures

Assimilation Accommodation Separation

Nonassertive

Emphasizing commonalities

Developing positive face

Censoring self

Averting Controversy

Increasing visibility

Dispelling stereotypes

Avoiding

Maintaining barriers

Assertive

Extensive preparation

Overcompensating

Manipulating Stereotypes

Bargaining

Communicating Self

Intragroup networking

Using Liaisons

Educating Others

Exemplifying strengths

Embracing stereotypes

Aggressive

Dissociating

Mirroring

Strategic distancing

Ridiculing self

Confronting

Gaining advantage

Attacking

Sabotaging others

Emergence of Communication Orientations