Gender Communication and Language Term Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 679 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 2

Gender Communication and Language

In the "enlightened" age of the 21st century, it appears logical to assume that men and women are finally accepted as equally competent and intelligent, both in the workplace and social settings. It is therefore interestingly shocking that communication studies reveal wide-ranging differences in the way in which men and women communicate. Many of these communication styles date from social systems where women were seen as incompetent and weak, whereas men were the competent, eloquent sector of society. While society consciously accepts that gender differences do not extend to the mental faculties of the average man or women, these assumed differences still operate very much on a subconscious level. This view is explored by examining a variety of communicative settings, including workplace, social and online communication.

According to a report by Vanfossen, women in formal group, meetings tend to display a subordinate disposition in relation to men. Men for example gain the floor more easily than do women, and keep the floor for longer. Furthermore women tend to allow interruptions more readily.

Stuck Writing Your "Gender Communication and Language" Term Paper?

View All Our Example Gender Communication and Language Term Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Interruptions from women also tend to be directed towards women speakers rather than men, while men in general interrupt more often than women.

In informal settings on the other hand, where there is a collaborative effort of participants, women tend to display a fuller range of language ability (Vanfossen). Communicatively, women thus function better in a setting where the assumed gender roles are less individualistic and more collaborative. In informal, social settings the same tendency as in the workplace is evident. Men tend to talk longer than women, even when they are at the same level of expertise as women. Also, men initiate interaction on a more regular basis than women.

Vanfossen further finds that, while women are generally expected to be less competent and assertive than men, this expectation is altered when women are known to occupy positions of power. It is thus possible to cultivate an awareness of language use and to alter the perceptions bred over centuries of oppression. This….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Communication And Language" (2004, September 25) Retrieved June 4, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-communication-language-177057

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Communication And Language" 25 September 2004. Web.4 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-communication-language-177057>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Communication And Language", 25 September 2004, Accessed.4 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-communication-language-177057
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example