Flows and Patterns

Theories in this chapter look at how communication flows between parties and what obstacles can impede or prevent this flow. Most of these theories give us insights into the transmission of information rather than the impetus for or effects of communication. However, theories such as Latour’s Actor-Network Theory examines the effects of disrupted communication links. Theories in this section also give us insights into how communication flows can develop into long-standing patterns that create communication structures.