From the standpoint(s) of traditionally muted groups: Explicating a co-cultural communication theoretical model

Augmenting the concepts inherent in muted group and standpoint theory, this article describes the emergence of a co-cultural communication theoretical model that focuses on how those persons traditionally marginalized in society communicate within dominant societal structures. The article draws from several phenomenological inquiries that inductively gathered lived experiences from 89 people of color, women, gay/lesbian/bisexuals, and those from a lower socioeconomic status. Based on oral narratives of these persons, I present and discuss a co-cultural framework, including a model of the process by which communication orientations are adopted.