Lots of researchers define sex as a biological categorization, classifying people as male or female based on their sex organs (Basow 1992, Eckert & Mc-Connell-Ginet 2003) and interpret gender as the social forming of the biological sex. (Eckert & Mc-Connell-Ginet 2003). Butler agrees that gender is the cultural meaning of the sexed body but points out that the sexed body must not match with the biological sex. What this means is that the category ‘women’ can contain people with a male and a female body, it is the same with the classification ‘men’. For Butler, sex or the sexed body is a cultural defined category of gender (Butler 1990).
There is lots of research in the field of gender differences in language use. This essay looked at varieties between the genders in verbal and nonverbal communication with the aim to find out which variables characterize the language use of each gender. In the field of talkativeness the researchers got opposite results, therefore nothing can be said about which gender has a larger amount of the conversation. Looking at the other points of comparison between the genders, it could be detected that woman use more affiliative speech which includes the use of different stylistic devices to avoid making a clear statements. Besides, the observation of their visual behaviour showed that women use their view for orientation and as a source for information (e.g. about their communication partner). Furthermore, they use eye contact for getting a feedback about their own behaviour from their communication partner, feeling uncomfortable when they can’t see their opposite. In addition women are more involved, use more expressions and feel easily embarrassed. Overall these results indicate unambiguously that women have a submissive communication style. Men on the contrary, use affiliative speech and directives. They have a more passive visual behaviour which is mainly lead by the visual input, the researchers could not observe men looking around for feedback about their behavior. Besides, men are more socially, tireless and relaxed. Looking at this result it could be detected men having a dominate communication style.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definition of 'Sex' and 'Gender'
- 2.1. Definition of 'Sex'
- 2.2. Definition of 'Gender'
- 3. Judith Butler's concept of gender
- 4. Gender differences in communication
- 4.1. Verbal communication
- 4.1.1. Talkativeness
- 4.1.2. Affiliative Speech
- 4.1.3. Assertive Speech
- 4.2. Non-verbal communication
- 4.2.1. Facial expressions
- 4.2.2. Visual behaviour
- 4.2.3. Gestures
- 5. Theories explaining gender differences
- 5.1. Biological theory
- 5.2. Social-cultural theory
- 5.3. Social-developmental theory
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines gender differences in language use. The main objective is to characterize male and female language, exploring the diverse ways language use differs between genders. The essay briefly touches upon the gender concept itself, defining "sex" and "gender" before presenting Judith Butler's perspective. The core focus is on outlining gender differences in verbal and nonverbal communication, analyzing specific aspects to distinguish between men's and women's language. Finally, the essay will consider various theories explaining these observed differences.- Defining "sex" and "gender" and exploring their relationship.
- Analyzing Judith Butler's post-structuralist concept of gender.
- Identifying and characterizing gender differences in verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Examining theories explaining gender differences in language use.
- Exploring the vast research and ongoing discussion surrounding gender differences.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the significant research and ongoing public discussion surrounding gender differences, particularly in communication styles. It introduces the essay's main focus: examining how male and female language can be characterized, emphasizing that the study will explore a selection of the many observed differences. The chapter briefly previews the essay's structure, indicating the upcoming definitions of "sex" and "gender," an overview of Judith Butler's perspective, an analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication differences, and a review of relevant explanatory theories. The introduction underscores the importance and prevalence of the topic, making it clear that this study aims to contribute to a well-established area of research. 2. Definition of 'Sex' and 'Gender': This chapter provides essential definitions for "sex" and "gender," establishing a foundation for the subsequent analysis. "Sex" is defined biologically, based on genes and sex organs, while acknowledging the cultural influence on determining these classifications. "Gender" is presented as the social construct built upon biological differences, extending beyond purely biological factors. The chapter emphasizes that gender is not inherently tied to sex, showcasing the nuanced relationship between the two concepts. This careful distinction between sex and gender is crucial for the rest of the essay, providing a framework for understanding gender differences in communication from a social and cultural perspective. 3. Judith Butler's concept of gender: This chapter explores Judith Butler's perspective on gender, contrasting it with the previous definitions of "sex" and "gender." Butler's concept challenges traditional binary views by suggesting that gender is not simply a reflection of biological sex but a complex cultural interpretation and performance. The chapter delves into Butler's ideas on the body as a passive medium shaped by cultural forces, creating cultural definitions through actions and behaviors. It highlights Butler's argument that gender categories ("men" and "women") are not exclusively defined by biological sex, thus broadening the understanding of gender beyond a simple male-female dichotomy. This section is key in laying a theoretical foundation for understanding the social constructs influencing communication styles. 4. Gender differences in communication: This chapter forms the core of the essay, examining gender differences in both verbal and nonverbal communication. The analysis encompasses various aspects of verbal communication, such as talkativeness, affiliative speech, and assertive speech, comparing typical characteristics exhibited by men and women. Similarly, it explores nonverbal cues like facial expressions, visual behavior, and gestures, highlighting the different ways men and women employ these modes of communication. The chapter is crucial because it provides detailed, comparative examples and observations of how gender manifests in communicative practices, offering a rich empirical basis for further theoretical explorations and discussions in subsequent sections. 5. Theories explaining gender differences: This chapter examines theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain the gender differences observed in communication. It explores the biological, social-cultural, and social-developmental theories, analyzing their strengths and limitations in explaining the phenomena discussed in previous chapters. This critical review of different theoretical perspectives provides a nuanced understanding of the complexity of gender and communication, acknowledging the multifaceted factors contributing to the observed patterns. The chapter highlights the ongoing debate and research within this field, showcasing the need for a multifaceted approach to comprehension.Keywords
Gender, sex, communication, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, gender differences, language use, Judith Butler, biological theory, social-cultural theory, social-developmental theory, male language, female language.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gender Differences in Communication
What is this text about?
This text is a comprehensive preview of an essay examining gender differences in language use. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The essay explores the definitions of "sex" and "gender," Judith Butler's perspective on gender, and analyzes gender differences in both verbal and nonverbal communication. It also reviews various theories attempting to explain these observed differences.
What are the main objectives of the essay?
The main objective is to characterize male and female language, exploring how language use differs between genders. This involves defining "sex" and "gender," presenting Judith Butler's perspective, analyzing gender differences in verbal and nonverbal communication, and examining theories explaining these differences. The essay aims to contribute to the existing body of research on this topic.
How does the essay define "sex" and "gender"?
"Sex" is defined biologically, based on genes and sex organs, while acknowledging cultural influence. "Gender" is presented as a social construct built upon biological differences, extending beyond purely biological factors. The essay emphasizes that gender is not inherently tied to sex.
What is Judith Butler's perspective on gender, as presented in the essay?
The essay explores Judith Butler's post-structuralist concept of gender, which challenges traditional binary views. Butler suggests that gender is not simply a reflection of biological sex but a complex cultural interpretation and performance. The body is viewed as a passive medium shaped by cultural forces, creating cultural definitions through actions and behaviors. Gender categories are not exclusively defined by biological sex.
What aspects of communication are analyzed in the essay?
The essay analyzes both verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication aspects include talkativeness, affiliative speech, and assertive speech. Nonverbal aspects include facial expressions, visual behavior, and gestures. The analysis compares typical characteristics exhibited by men and women in each area.
What theories are discussed to explain gender differences in communication?
The essay examines biological, social-cultural, and social-developmental theories to explain the observed gender differences. It analyzes the strengths and limitations of each theory, acknowledging the multifaceted factors contributing to these differences and highlighting the ongoing debate and research in the field.
What are the key chapters and their content?
The essay includes chapters on: Introduction (setting the stage and outlining the essay's structure); Definition of 'Sex' and 'Gender' (providing essential definitions); Judith Butler's concept of gender (exploring her perspective); Gender differences in communication (analyzing verbal and nonverbal differences); and Theories explaining gender differences (reviewing various theoretical frameworks). A conclusion chapter is also included.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Gender, sex, communication, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, gender differences, language use, Judith Butler, biological theory, social-cultural theory, social-developmental theory, male language, female language.
- Citar trabajo
- Bachelor of Science Marie Tolkemit (Autor), 2010, Explore the concept of gender and explain the roles of different forms of communication within gender, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/177313
