Language Differences between Men and Women

Paper Summary:

This paper examines several studies concerning the differences between male and female communication. The paper concludes that there are both differences and similarities in how men and women communicate but the differences, while they may be subtle, have judgemental consequences. Such consequences, the paper notes, can be seen in the way that female speakers are rated higher on socio-intellectual status and aesthetic quality while males are rated higher on dynamism.

From the Paper:

"Status is also designated in this power scheme. Many of the "women's language" such as politeness and raising the ends of sentences is found more in low- versus high-status individuals. "Women's language" seems to be more often used when individuals are unemployed, housewives or have lower jobs than well-educated people and professionals (O'Barr & Atkins, 1980). Subordinates share higher rates of speech associated with women than they do their managers. Single male parents use language more similar to single mothers than married fathers. It is recognized, then, that language is not just a matter of gender dominance, but goes hand-in-hand with status as well."

More papers on Language Differences between Men and Women:

• Comparison Essay # 57324 : "Discourse Differences between Men and Women"
• Analytical Essay # 58276 : "Men and Women Conversational Styles"
• Comparison Essay # 6001 : "Gender Differences in Communication Styles"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: