Symbolic Convergence Theory

Abstract

Symbolic convergence theory (SCT), a general communication theory (→ Communication Theory and Philosophy), explains the emergence of a common symbolic consciousness – one that contains shared meanings, → emotions, values, and motives for human action – among participants in a small group (→ Group Communication), organization (→ Organizational Communication), or other rhetorical community. SCT, as developed by Ernest Bormann, John Cragan, and Donald Shields, among others, is a message‐centered theory grounded through the observation of symbolic facts in communication. Observers noted the sharing of dramatized messages, called fantasy themes, within small‐group communication, in mediated communication, and among the communicating memberships of organizations and other large publics (→ Rhetoric and Narrativity; Storytelling and Narration). Within each context, researchers found that people shared, reiterated, and wove fantasy themes to form a larger, more complex view of reality called a rhetorical vision (e.g., the Cold War, global warming, or neo‐conservatism). A rhetorical vision contains many fantasy themes that depict heroes and villains in dramatic action within a scene. Within a group such a vision establishes identity, cohesion, and culture (→ Culture: Definitions and Concepts).