Symbolic Convergence Theory of Ernest Bormann

Symbolic Convergence Theory
of Ernest Bormann

Symbolic convergence theory (SCT), brainchild of Ernest G. Bormann, attempts to explain how communication can create and sustain group consciousness through the sharing of narratives or “fantasies.” Bormann explored how the practice of cooperative fantasizing leads to enhanced group cohesion and, ultimately, the emergence of a group mind. He asserted that these communal narratives serve as the means by which group members can understand and articulate their shared social reality. Thus, sharing fantasies encourages the development of a convergent point of view, a shared understanding of the group's common experiences, as well as their identity as a community.

In essence, the theory comprises four basic concepts, six dramatic structural concepts and three critical evaluation concepts: “Basic Concepts” which is the starting point for analysis of shared symbolic meaning. It works to present a common experience and shape it into knowledge, “Structural concepts” A rhetorical vision is a five-component drama that brings people into a common symbolic reality, and “Critical evaluation concepts” Three elements comprise the critical evaluation component of SCT. For a fantasy theme to spread through a community, a rhetorical vision to move through its life-death cycle, for a saga to exist or a symbolic cue to deliver meaning, there must be a shared group consciousness within the community of focus. Whilst there can be fantasies, if they aren’t shared across the community then they are unlikely to have relevance to SCT analysis.

Dramatizing or using fantasy stories are significant types of communication involved in SCT. SCT explains that meanings, emotions, values, and the motives for action are in the communication contexts by people trying to make sense out of a common experience. It explores the human tendency of trying to understand events in terms of the people involved, who have certain personality traits and motivations, and have agency over how the events unfold.

 According to this theory, the life cycle consists from five stages. The first one is emergence or creation which is A dramatic event or series of events leads to uncertainty and a need to develop rhetoric to explain the current state of reality. The second stage is consciousness-raising, it’s when Fantasies begin to chain out among a collectivity of people over a common interest. The third stage is consciousness-sustaining, At this stage, communication is focused on maintaining the commitment of people who have shared the rhetorical vision. The fourth stage is vision-declining, it is when Situations in a rhetorical community can change so rapidly that the vision cannot adapt successfully. The last stage is termination, which is the end of a rhetorical vision.

An important element of Symbolic Convergence Theory is the propensity of the phenomenon it illustrates to be used against the public good. The intentional malevolent use of SCT principles against the public good can be seen in the rash of “Fake News” campaigns in which false perceptions are feed to society in order to create a false, but widely believed, consensus (convergence) of belief.