Communication, Identity, and Power

Abstract

It is widely accepted that communication can move people to do things that they otherwise would rather not do. The article investigates why communication has that power and what the sources of that power are—namely ones beyond violence and authority. In alignment with the sociological, communication science and speech-act literature, the thesis is developed that the power of communication emerges when the communication partners have developed a relationship of respect. In such a relationship communication possesses the power to strengthen identity or to damage it. The power of communication therefore rests on a relationship of respect and the identity-making ability of communication.