Ch 3 The Relationship Between Communication and Power

 Chapter 3 

The Relationship Between Communication and Power

Power influences daily conversations in almost every setting; many people do not realize it as they communicate. Teachers to students, leadership to staff, and police officers to civilians are all examples of the power and how it can influence communication. When I think back, I was nervous speaking with teachers or anyone in authority. When I get pulled over, my heart rate is sky-high, and my communication with the officer differs. Most will not even realize it is happening. 

Many people in power influence others with their way of thinking. As Mark Orbe, a communication scholar, describes it, there are two main dimensions of the group-related approach: people with privilege influence their way of thinking. Some primary dimensions are age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions include educational background, geographic location, marital status, and socioeconomic status. Secondary dimensions can be changed throughout life, whereas primary ones typically do not.  So, individuals with a certain gender or race may have communication power over someone of not the lesser gender or race.


Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2022). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (8th ed.).

Kedia, S. (2023, September 20). Communication in relationships: why is it important and what can you do to improve? ThePleasantRelationship. https://thepleasantrelationship.com/communication-in-relationships/



 

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