Intercultural Communication; Globalization and Social Justice (2nd Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

**”Intercultural Communication: Globalization and Social Justice” (2nd Edition)** by Kathryn Sorrells explores the intersection of intercultural communication, globalization, and social justice. This textbook presents intercultural communication as a dynamic process influenced by global forces, inequalities, and the need for fostering justice in a diverse, interconnected world.

### **Key Features and Content Overview:**

#### **1. Intercultural Communication as a Process**
– **Dynamic Understanding**: The book presents intercultural communication as an ongoing, dynamic process shaped by culture, power, and historical context. It emphasizes the importance of context in understanding how communication is influenced by social, political, and economic factors.
– **Communication in a Globalized World**: Sorrells focuses on how globalization impacts communication across cultures, urging readers to understand the challenges and opportunities posed by global interconnectedness. The text highlights that communication is not just about cultural differences but also about power relations, privilege, and social inequality.

#### **2. Critical Perspective on Globalization**
– **Globalization and Inequality**: The author critically examines how globalization affects cultures and communication, often leading to economic disparities, cultural homogenization, and the marginalization of certain groups. This critique encourages students to question the consequences of globalization for different communities.
– **Global Flows**: The book introduces the concept of “global flows,” referring to the movement of people, ideas, goods, and media across borders. It explores how these flows impact cultural identity, representation, and communication practices.

#### **3. Social Justice Framework**
– **Social Justice Approach**: The textbook uniquely integrates a social justice perspective, encouraging readers to consider how communication can challenge and address inequalities in society. It focuses on how intercultural communication can promote greater equity, human rights, and social change.
– **Power and Privilege**: Sorrells discusses power dynamics in communication, examining how privilege, oppression, and resistance play a role in intercultural exchanges. By analyzing how race, class, gender, and other identity markers influence communication, the book encourages students to recognize and address power imbalances.

#### **4. Cultural Identity and Communication**
– **Cultural Identity Formation**: The book delves into how cultural identities are formed, negotiated, and expressed through communication. It addresses the complexities of multiple and intersecting identities, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religion, in intercultural interactions.
– **Cultural Adaptation**: Sorrells also explores how individuals adapt to new cultural environments, including the challenges of acculturation, assimilation, and maintaining cultural heritage. The text highlights the role of communication in facilitating or hindering cultural adaptation.

#### **5. Global Media and Representation**
– **Media Representation**: The book addresses how global media shapes perceptions of culture, race, and identity. It critically examines the role of media in constructing stereotypes, misrepresentations, and cultural narratives that impact intercultural communication.
– **Digital Communication**: The second edition includes discussions on the role of digital media in intercultural communication, particularly how social media and online platforms facilitate global interactions and the sharing of cultural knowledge.

#### **6. Intercultural Competence**
– **Developing Intercultural Skills**: Sorrells provides readers with practical tools and strategies to develop intercultural competence. This includes understanding one's own cultural background, improving cross-cultural empathy, and learning to navigate cultural differences in both personal and professional settings.
– **Cultural Sensitivity and Reflexivity**: The text emphasizes the importance of being reflexive—constantly examining and adjusting one's assumptions and communication practices in intercultural encounters. It advocates for cultural sensitivity and openness to learning from others.

#### **7. Case Studies and Real-World Examples**
– **Real-World Applications**: The book includes case studies, real-world examples, and student exercises that bring theory to life. These examples illustrate how intercultural communication operates in various contexts, from international business to everyday interactions, helping students connect theory to practice.
– **Global Issues and Intercultural Communication**: Sorrells uses contemporary global issues such as migration, climate change, and human rights to contextualize intercultural communication. This highlights the role of communication in addressing global challenges and fostering social justice.

### **Conclusion**
**”Intercultural Communication: Globalization and Social Justice” (2nd Edition)** by Kathryn Sorrells is a comprehensive and critical guide to understanding intercultural communication in today's globalized world. By integrating a social justice framework, the text encourages readers to consider how communication can be used to address inequalities and promote positive social change. The book equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate and contribute to a diverse, interconnected global society.