Sociology: An Examination of Communication Models by Carey

This sociology essay explores James Carey's communication models, contrasting the transmission and ritual models. The transmission model emphasizes conveying information, while the ritual model views communication as a shared experience and ceremony. The essay examines the strengths and weaknesses of each model, particularly in the context of media, branding, and cultural analysis. It highlights how the ritual model, with its focus on shared meanings and symbols, can be more effective in building brand value and connecting with audiences. The essay references various sources to support its arguments, providing a comprehensive overview of communication theories and their practical applications. It stresses the importance of understanding these models for effective communication in various aspects of life, particularly for children who cannot decide for themselves and for brands trying to build value.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Introduction to Media
Name of the Student:
Name of University:
Author Note

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Communication can be defined as the process with the help of which information is
transferred from one person to another. While communicating, people share their thoughts, ideas
and knowledge to the other person in the process of communication. It can also be said that
while communicating, signs are mediated for the interaction process which involves two or more
people. James Carey points out that there are two kinds of communication models, Transmission
and Ritual which have been dominant throughout the history of western civilization and
communication processes. The thesis of the paper is to discuss communication with respect to
Carey’s ideas.
Transmission is the process of communication which is mostly used in the society. In this
model of communication, the basic idea is to communicate the ideas to the other person hoping
that the correct message will be understood by the receiver. The theory is very pertinent when
one tries to understand communication patterns of daily lives when one tries to engage in
communication to send across messages readily. This model is very important and helps in the
process of exchange of knowledge, even beyond geographical barriers. Casey understands that
the transmission model of communication involves to spread information beyond geographical
constraints, with the help of instantaneous communication (Deuze 2011). The act of reading
newspaper, is also regarded as transmission communication as, through readings information are
gathered.
On the contrary, the ritualistic model of communication involve a metaphor as
communication process is regarded as a ceremony. The people who engage in the
communication process are not senders or receivers but participants in the entire process, unlike
transmission model. The ritual model does not correspond to the process of disseminating
information. According to Carey, ritual mode of communication is further explained in terms of

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fellowship, partnership, sharing and association. This model demands the participation of people
involved, as communication processes is related with significant words such as association,
participation, sharing and fellowship (Berger 2017). Ritual view helps to perceive people who
engage in communications depend on media, as people rely on the usage of social media to
develop a sense of integration
Carey finds out and understands that the first model of communication or the
transmission process is not as effective. He realizes that transmission process of communication
is not capable to withstand changes in the modern times, within society as well as technological
developments. Carey opinionates that the ritual model is more effective as compared to the
transmission model due to the widespread of the latter model. Communication is very important
the processes and impact on the audience, especially the children, who cannot decide for
themselves (Berkenkotter, C. and Huckin 2016). When it comes to creating a brand value or
advisement, it is often said he ritualistic mode of communication is be able to gather ore number
of buyers and enthusiasts.
The models which are followed by companies, very early during decisions. It is very
important to stay quiet, which necessities of the need for copywriter, who can manage the
account with knowledge to fight the cause, rather than being in home quarantine. The author is
wise to find out the follies as it fails to gather and address the entire population. (Kackman and
Kearneyc2018) It is very true and relevant that the ritualistic model of communication convinces
the audience about the prerogative act of communication and what are the meanings associated
with it. There are several other words, to describe the same because religious practice. .
Ritual communication model is more effective while dealing with brand and
communicating the ideas to the targeted audiences. It is a theory which state that logos and visual

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images are used to send across the message of signified. Carey is very correct in his efforts to
find out that human existence is dependent on the symbols and meanings which are associated
with life. A logo is far more relatable to the audience, to build a connection with the brand. The
brands are able to make people understand about relate by following ritual model of
communication rather than transmission by deriving meanings and associating with one self
which is the basic idea behind religion. While The act of communicating can also be understood
with the help of narratives, which can be described the example of narrative.
It can thus be said that, while communicating, the most common means which is
employed is transmission, however, through representation, one can signify what is intended,
which is the ritual mode of communication and is more effective to successfully make the other
person understand what is meant, which can be justified with the help of several conjectures and
other theories.

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References
Berger, Arthur Asa. Media analysis techniques. Sage Publications, 2017.
Berkenkotter, C. and Huckin, T.N., 2016. Genre knowledge in disciplinary communication:
Cognition/culture/power. Routledge.
Buozis, M., & Creech, B. (2018). Reading news as narrative: A genre approach to journalism
studies. Journalism Studies, 19(10), 1430-1446.
Deuze, M., 2011. Media life. Media, culture & society, 33(1), pp.137-148.
Kackman, M., & Kearney, M. C. (Eds.). (2018). The craft of criticism: Critical media studies in
practice. Routledge.