Communication Processes, Volume 2 argues that communication, an exchange of symbols, is the essence of society and that this exchange is the foundation on which the human collective is based. It explores how the collective sense of self is defined either with reference to, or in defiance of, dominant existing traditions. The essays in the volume highlight the links between culture studies and the use of communication in binding together a community, also providing a voice to the unheard and unsung.
Beginning by describing the pertinence of communication to grasping the overall substance of social reality, the volume is divided into the following three parts:
- Fonts of Self Identity: this section looks at the emergence and construction of personal and collective identities through myths, linguistic innovations, religious idioms, stories and traditions of marginalized communities;
- Grounds of Work Relations: here, the contributors focus on occupations and vocations, with reference to the peasant and artisan communities from Western India;
- Bonds of Health Practices: the focus of this section is on healthcare practices and knowledge of traditional communities.