Gender Communication Differences Flashcards
What are Gender Communication Differences?
Friends
Boys:
- Group oriented
- Teamwork strong group of friends
Girls:
- Individual oriented
- One on one talking one or two best friends
What are the Differing Perceptions?
Status lens (Males)
- Looking or differences to achieve status
- Young boys try to “one up” each other
- Stronger personalities give orders and leaders (Higher Status)
- Weaker personalities accept orders and are subordinate (Lower Status)
Connections lens (Females)
- Look for similarities to achieve connection
- Try to achieve equality
What are Non-Verbal Communications: Listening Rituals?
Men:
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Are still listening although they may not look
directly at you
- Misinterpret direct eye contact as confrontational or flirtatious
Women:
- Direct, face to face
- Used to focus on connection
- Misinterpret no eye contact as a sign of not
listening
What are Verbal Communication: Conversation Rituals?
Ritual Opposition (Men):
- Boys “play fight”
- Playing Devil’s Advocate
- Used NOT to challenge but rather to explore possibilities
Women misinterpret opposition as:
- Indication of bad idea or mistake
- Personal attacks
Ritual Apology (Women):
- “I’m not sorry, Im sorry”
- Means i’m sorry that happened
- Not a personal apology
- Used as a transition in conversation
Men misinterpret apology as:
- Disorganization
- Incompetence
What is Small Talk depending on Gender?
Report Talk (Men):
- Focuses on information
- Sports and Hobbies
Rapport Talk (women):
- Talking about personal subjects in order to give sense of connection
How does each Male/Femals Give Orders?
Direct (Men):
- Dictate orders
- Not bossy or offensive
Women misinterpret direct order as:
- Impoliteness and overbearing
Indirect (Women):
- Use strategies not to appear bossy
- “Could we do this”
- “Do you think it’s possible”
- “I would do it this way”
Men misinterpret approach as:
- Not being managerial
- Easier to say “NO”
What is the “Double Bind” For Women
- If a woman is direct (masculine) she appears pushy or bossy
- If a woman is indirect (feminine) she appears incompetent
