Communication as an Aid to Resocialization

Abstract

This article is a case study of a men’s treatment group for batterers. The central question of the study asks how traditionally socialized men participate in a communicatively productive treatment group. In spite of circumstances that at first glance would appear to inhibit positive interaction among its members, the Men’s Anger Group exhibited the characteristics of an effective treatment group and provided the curative factors of a support group. In addition, through shared symbols, rituals, and stories, the members established a culture that resulted in a shared consciousness and, in turn, cohesiveness. Finally, implications of this study suggest that symbolic convergence theory be considered in future research that examines communication occurring in men’s treatment groups.