The Difference Approach

Question 1

When was the difference approach theorised?

Answer 1

1980s

Question 2

What does the difference approach focus on?

Answer 2

Same sex groups because there is a strong tendency for our core friendship groups to be made up of individuals of our own gender.

Question 3

What did the difference approach researchers suggest about women?

Answer 3

They suggested that women use talking to share their experience and feelings, they are good at supporting others. All female groups tend to favour a cooperative and equal style of speech.

Question 4

What did the difference researchers suggest about men?

Answer 4

All male groups are more competitive and hierarchal. Boasting, insults and direct orders are common in all male conversation.

Question 5

What does Deborah Tannen suggest?

Answer 5

That miscommunication between the sexes was to be expected because if men and woman have different styles of speaking they will approach mixed sex conversations with different assumptions and expectations.

Question 6

define genderlect

Answer 6

language specific to gender.