Navigating Cultural Dynamics: Co-Cultural Theory Perspectives

1. From the Margins to the CenterMark P. Orbe& Regina E. Spellers’ Utilizing Co-cultural theory in diverse contexts Brought to you by: BLUE TEAM

2. Co-cultural theory overview Factors 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

3. Assimilation toDominant Group NonassertiveAssimilation (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 areas Assertive 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 differences Aggressive 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)

4. 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

5. Separation from Dominant Group NonassertiveSeparation • 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

6. Emergence of Communication Orientations