Question

Based upon what you read in the article, "Can't we Talk", by Deborah Tannen, how does gender socialization affect how we interact with others? How does it help shape our identity as men or women? Please share an example of a conversation you have had with a significant other or close friend or family member (or one that you have been a witness to) that is connected in some way to this article? What were some of your reactions to this reading?

Answer 1

Answer:

1. How does gender socialization affect how we interact with others?

Gender socialisation affects how we interact with others in the sense that it is a process of learning the social expectations and attitudes associated with one's sex. Sociologists explain through gender socialization why human males and females behave in different ways: they are naturally different and learn different social roles.

“Men and women are different by nature and that their gender roles are socially constructed.” Perhaps nature plays a role, manifesting in subconscious, deep-seated insecurity that spurs men to prove themselves (which is the only reason I can think of to explain the author’s husband’s reaction in “Status vs. Support”). It might also be social norms which dictate that the man calls the shots within the family, which explains the conflict in “Independence vs. Intimacy” and “Orders vs. Proposals.”

2. How does it help shape our identity as men or women?

It does shape our identities as men and women considering that Tannen says that it is because men and women have different conversational styles; that men see themselves as individuals in the hierarchically structured world who negotiate power and status, to have an upper hand. Women see themselves as individuals in the world of connection, who negotiate closeness, confirmation, support, and consensus.

3. An example of a conversation I have had with a significant other or close friend or family member (or one that you have been a witness to) that is connected in some way to this article is the conversation with my fiancee about the equality of gender. She has always been of the strong opinion that men and women were made equal and are equal before the law. I also an unrepentant advocate for inequality in life. I had always told her that God in His infinite wisdom made man and woman different in all ramifications for many purposes. That no man can ever play the natural and social roles of a woman likewise a woman for the roles of a man. That if the womenfolk want a change that they should appeal to God not making cases with men. I also championed the opinion that their roles are streamlined and distinctive.

4. What were some of your reactions to this reading?

Some of your reactions to this reading are that Tannen’s work shows good explanations about the differences in gendered communication and I like her idea of being able to notice the different messages that are being championed. Furthermore, her work had helped me identify the conversational styles that people possess and how to properly approach a situation.

Answer 2

Based on this article, we can conclude that gender socialization can have a large impact on how one gender interacts with another one. The way in which we talk, communicate and think about the world is influenced by the way in which we are socialized. This affects the way we relate to one another.

An example of this is gossip. Most people consider gossip to be wrong, but they also consider it to be a female trait rather than a male trait. The book suggests that women tend to use language more often as a way to build rapport and common ground. This spirit of cooperation could be behind the concept of gossip, as it allows women to establish tighter bonds with their community. I believe this has been my experience, as women often talk about people as a way to show interest in their lives and demonstrate that they are part of the same community.