Explain the “different cultures” and the “gender similarities” hypotheses.

Bevan and Sole (2014) present theories that women and men communicate differently based growing up in “different cultures” or that they are similar based on the “gender similarities” hypothesis. For this discussion, you will be required to think through these ideas by relating these arguments to what you learn in a video you will watch on gender and communication and your own experience.

Prepare Icon

Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

Read the writing prompt below in its entirety. Notice that there are three tasks:

Explain the “different cultures” and the “gender similarities” hypotheses.

Discuss whether or not, based on what you have learned in class and in your experience, women and men are socialized to speak differently and use different types of body language.

Consider the importance of gender in how we use language and how we communicate more generally.

Watch at least the first 15 minutes of Video icon Gender & Communication Male Female Differences in Language and Nonverbal Behavior.

You have the option of using one of the supplemental readings, listed below.

Review the Save icon grading rubric and remember that 25% of your grade is based on your application of course material (Content/Subject Knowledge) and 25% is based on your ability to demonstrate you are thinking critically and presenting original ideas.

Supplemental Reading Options

Cameron, D. (2007, October 1). Do men and women speak the same language? The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/oct/01/gender.books

Rogers, T. (2011, October 16). Why do men and women talk differently? A new book argues that guys argue and girls overshare for a reason: Evolution. The author explains. Retrieved from