Burkeian and Freudian theories of identification

Kenneth Burke's encounters with Freudian theories of identification have for the most part been productive for rhetorical critics. Burke transformed two Freudian processes of identification—the perception of similarity in the production of hysterical symptoms and one process of representation in dreams—into processes which partake of the “forensic texture”; of society. However, movement and interpretive organizational critics have been hampered by Burke's submersion of important distinctions in Freud's treatment of identification in groups. By overlooking the relationship between Burkeian and Freudian theory, movement and organizational critics have compromised their ability to offer satisfying explanations for the success or failure of organizational discourse as a group phenomenon.

Key concepts:

• Burke
• Freud
• identification
• organizational communication
• groups
• rhetorical criticism