Communication is a symbolic process producing and maintaining reality.

Evidence

From such sources one can draw a definition of communication of disarming simplicity yet, I think, of some intellectual power and scope: communication is a symbolic process whereby reality is produced, maintained, repaired, and transformed. — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 180

Categorization

• DEFINE: Core definition of communication as a symbolic process producing reality.
• XREF: This becomes Carey’s foundational definition that frames the entire book as a counterpoint to the transmission view. — connects to: Communication’s ritual view aims at maintaining society in time, not extending messages in space. — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 161; Communication technology shapes culture through interests, symbols, and community — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 622; Communication constitutes reality rather than merely representing it — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 382 (+9 more)
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 180

Broader Connections

• Communication constitutes reality rather than merely representing it #corroborates (0.95) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 382
• The ritual view of communication maintains society in time through shared beliefs #expands (0.85) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 161
• Language is socially constructed and speaks through individuals #expands (0.70)
• Communication does not report reality but inverts the reported relation to it #complicates (0.65) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 187