On Key Symbols¹

Abstract

This paper reviews the use of the notion of "key symbol" in anthropological analysis. It analyzes phenomena which have been or might be accorded the status of key symbol in cultural analyses, categorizing them according t o their primary modes of operating on thought and action.

Positive Emotion in Organizations: A Multi-Level Framework

“…Ashforth and Humphrey (1995) argue that this process depends intrinsically on evocation of emotion. Based on Ortner's (1973) model, they note that symbols generate interacting cognitive and emotional responses, and they conclude, "symbolic management involves orchestrating summarizing and elaborating symbols to evoke emotion which can be generalized to organizational ends" (p. 111). Thus, leaders engage in communication of symbols designed to make followers feel better about themselves, and to strengthen followers' commitment to the organization (see also Fineman, 2001;Van Maanen & Kunda, 1989).…”

Remaining Karen : A Study of Cultural Reproduction and the Maintenance of Identity

“…(1979:10) Such elements or symbolic types, then, have their own internal consistency which may transform the contexts in which they appear, thus, effecting transformations in meaning. Symbolic types also have the property of "summarising" symbols (Ortner [1973]; Kapferer [1979:12]). That is, they can contain aspects of meaning which they carry with them from one context to another.…”

The development of discourse in the online environment: between technology and multiculturalism

“…The "milestones" for doing so are the (Catriel, 1999;Ortner, 1973). As mentioned above, these are words repeating in various ways throughout the discussion, and serving both as connecters within the discourse and as an indication of the type of direction developing.…”

“…At this stage, keywords and speech events were primarily identified (Catriel, 1999;Ortner, 1973) and allowed me to identify sequence and development in the discourse. Table 2 illustrates the tools for analysis, and the various discourse directions we found at this stage.…”