Co-Cultural Theory

A communication theory developed by Mark Orbe that examines how members of marginalized or underrepresented groups communicate within dominant societal structures. The theory identifies the Deaf community as a subordinate group within a hearing-dominated society and analyzes how this power dynamic shapes communication strategies and technology design. In accessibility research, Co-Cultural Theory provides a framework for understanding why automatic translation systems can lead to maladaptive behaviors such as technology abandonment or communication avoidance, and why designing with rather than for marginalized communities is essential.