Do Women and Men Communicate Differently - Literature review Example

Task: Issue 5. Do Women and Men Communicate Differently? Introduction According to Wood (19), communication is the collective actions through which meanings are conveyed in an effort to achieve mutual understanding. The process of communication applies the skills of listening, evaluating, responding and questioning. The use of these skills is developmental and reflects all scopes of life. There are general variations and similarities on communication styles between both genders. The approach to understanding these variations is assessing the disparities in communication articulated by ‘men and women’ and to appreciate the nature versus nurture inspired diversities. A hypothetical analysis reveals that males and females communicate differently (Collins & James 40). This is because linguistic capabilities are complex in women since they are perceivable as detailed in communication. Accordingly, men’s brains seem to display spatial capability preferring actions to words. Gender disparities in communication arise from cultural and biological built. Women are expressive because of their hormones. Consequently, men are composed because they do not have hormonal imbalances. Summary: pro position Wood (20) indicates, “Communication entails the use of verbal and non-verbal signals to transfer meaning”. Gaps emerge when the signal is ineffectually delivered or misunderstood. Gender discrepancy is a culture in itself that possesses definite communication styles easily misapprehended by the opposite sex. This is because communication approaches are learned and acceptable expressions by a community that is sharing these cues. Both genders differ in the way they dispense orders, argue and relate with other people. Factors of biological makeup and socialization practices influence communication styles. Men are direct than women are when expressing themselves. Nonetheless, women are verbose while men use fewer words and additional actions to communicate (Barret 29). Women soften their demands and use tagged and apologetic phrases when expressing demands. They embrace personal and empathetic strategies when communicating. This is because women are sensitive with their emotions. Men are precise and stern and prefer actions to detailed words. They will avoid details of words instead preferring to enclose their emotions. Moreover, the styles of communication influence attitudes and dynamism on the message contents. Summary: con position The divides in communication styles are certainly not absolute. Most of the diversities are social dogmas not inclined in the biological makeup of an individual. Through the process of socialization, girls are cultured to behave and express themselves in sensitive approaches whilst boys are discouraged from speaking more or expressing emotions (Barret 32). These tendencies are reflected in the adult life whereby men prefer to disregard their emotions. Factors like childhood experiences, environmental ambience and temperamental degree of an individual influence their quality, tone and mode of expression (Barret 33). Furthermore, people express themselves differently depending on experiences, training and authority position. Moreover, expressions justify the character on an individual. How persons relate is a calculated move that shapes relationships and actions and reaffirm our individual distinctiveness (Collins & James 45). Student position Communication fashion and language are largely informed by culture and socialization process. They defer interpersonally and between people from different locations. Men are more confident with their orders and tone of voice because it assesses their masculinity (Barret 36). However, these generalizations do not reflect on the individual preferences because some women are not expressive while some men are over expressive. Men appear to be collected because they are the decision makers in most instances. This subjects women to follow their opinions, hence, leaving a majority of women to take timid non- aggressive positions that do not express their true character. Women often express themselves temperamentally especially when they feel that their needs will be ignored. Thus, the differences in communication styles are nurture than nature inspired (Nelson & Claire 7). Consequently, people should aim at realizing the positive and negative benefits associated with the variations with the intent of strengthening communication. Multicultural application The differences in communication arise from childhood upbringing and the cultural approach used. Moreover, different societies display varied autonomy in their interactions as informed by their culture and religions (Tannen 47). This influences the value and quality of communication because the different genders only communicate in definite avenues. These distinctions are not significant in gender-balanced states, where both genders interact equally. However, in unique cultures women have definite styles to greet, talk and relate with men. Consequently, disparities in communication arise from factors such as age gap, education status, power control, social class and the relationship with the recipient. Linguistic expressions are inculcated during childhood where girls and boys learn acceptable expression styles for each gender (Wood 22). Boys are encouraged to be rough and tough while girls should express their feelings. Critical literacy Critical assessment examines the variations in communication under unique situations. It signifies the learned roles and gender expectations in the society. This is because being a man or woman is beyond the physical framework and centers on the social constructs of personal character and culture (Tannen 48). For instance, women in power express dominance and communicate in nearly corresponding tones as men. Moreover, emotional outbursts in women are triggered by hormonal imbalances that can be contained mentally. These occur only on definite days; thus, reactions at this period should not be applicable in categorizing women’s behavior. Thus, different situations demand definite response measures. Additionally, comprehending these diversities emanates from social stereotyping. It is clear that economical stability, social status and education levels influence boldness and aptitude in communication. Consequently, these stereotypes can lead to gender discrimination especially in workplaces. This is true where employers assume that females are better communicators who display empathy, sincerity and concern with clients. Civil Literary Males are presumed to express the analytical brain section when communicating. This explains why they prefer scientific content than the arts. Their emotional strength facilitates their composure and the compulsion to find answers not discuss problems (Barret 34). Females are cautious with their approach and wording fearing misunderstanding. More females utilize their eyes, hands and body language to communicate as well as their voice. This is because they feel that they have to use cues to communicate. However, these assertions are generalized concepts that deviate individually, culturally and regionally. Moreover, some women are prone to hostility than men. Therefore, individuals communicate uniquely and generalities only widen the conceived gap between both genders. Consequently, both genders can be task-focused and nurturing. This is because they perceive similar messages differently because of their expectations. Science literacy The communication of men and women exudes a different of perception of literacy in the society. Men perceive science literacy as a means of advancing knowledge for solving societal problems whereas women advance their literacy in science to expressing their curiosity collectively (Collins & James 43). As such, communication is a means of connecting to women but to men it should be used to correct situations. Therefore, it is easier for a woman to question a phenomenon in cases that she has a misunderstanding. Men on the contrary express their literacy less but they use their curiosity to seek knowledge independently. The advanced communication techniques of women enhance their understanding in scientific studies. In argument women bases their assumptions on emotions whereas men use their logic (Nelson & Claire 264). This has brought about a difference to understanding scientific literacy. When seeking knowledge, both men and women have explored the use of technology in obtaining a clear comprehension of the facts in scientific literacy. However, women are reluctant in grasping ideas in scientific communication. They have the capability to comprehend the details of a message yet they view information from the social perspective. It is interesting that men conclude on issues affecting humanity using scientific knowledge (Collins & James 31). Men depend mostly in logic in coming up with suggestions when communicating during problem solving scenario. However, the approach to communication is subjective to an individual in context. It is difficult to come up with a conclusion on the approaches that both genders use in their communication. Additionally, women are guided by their instinct in communicating societal issues. Values literacy The unique approach to values literacy by both genders results from differences in the style of upbringing. According to Nelson & Claire (1), men learn to respect values to their own benefit but women observe values for the benefit of the society. Similarly, men are women are taught respect at a tender age. It is in their understanding that the difference in their communication techniques arises. That is the reason females prefer utilizing the consensus approach in seeking information concerning values in the society. Contrastingly, men prefer the hierarchical communication approach (Nelson & Claire 1). It is advantageous that women are likely to share information in the society as opposed to men. Therefore, women can be the good transmitters of knowledge that expands on the literacy of the masses. According to Nelson & Claire (2), women literacy exudes commonalities not as unique as men’s illiteracies. Men are likely to relay their own opinion instead of inquiring more in a conversation. This is because men’s aptitude is developed for coming up with suggestions and solutions (Nelson & Claire 65). Contrarily, women utilize a detailed approach in passing a message. Men’s communication in most instances is purposively whereas for women it can be a means of sharing feelings. A man’s listening is conditional, meaning that he has the capability to learn more of the problem than a woman does in a given conversation. Conclusion Men and women have similar communication techniques. Differences emerge when they are communicating in detail. It is difficult to identify a clear distinction of the communication approach used by both genders (Carroll 1). However, their uniqueness is identifiable in the critical expression of their knowledge. Notably, the communication technique used in a given context cannot be judged as the suitable approach to relaying information in the society. Works Cited Carroll, Janell L. Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning, 2010. Print Collins, Sandra D., & James S. ORourke. Interpersonal Communication: Listening and Responding. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Nelson, Audrey. & Claire D. Brown. The Gender Communication Handbook: Conquering Conversational Collisions between Men and Women. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer, 2012. Print. Barrett, Mary. Gender and Communication at Work. Aldershot [u.a.: Ashgate, 2006. Print. Wood, Julia T. Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage, 2013. Print. Tannen, Deborah. You Just Dont Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. New York: Quill, 2001. Print. Read More