Thursday, January 27, 2011

Gender Wars

There are absolutely gender differences, but I don't think they are strong enough to be labeled a "war." Certainly communication styles are a prominent area where differences can be seen. I tend to think of these communication styles as thorough (feminine) or precise (masculine). This is also reflected in the rush to do "action."


Also, these differences belong to the majority, but they are not strictly predetermined. That is to say there can be guys that communicate in a feminine manner and girls that communicate in a masculine way.


So is it harmful for our society to call it a "gender war?" I don't think so. It seems that people know there are differences, but not in a sense where the two genders are clashing.


I think the bigger problem with viewing these as a "war" is the lines that are drawn. When you look at a "gender war" it automatically places guys on the masculine side and women on the feminine side, but as I said, that's not necessarily the way it is. Nor should it have to be.


Questions:

Does this general communicative "trend" mold youth into their stereotypical gender positions?

Do you think this is also what leads to lack of gender diversity in certain workplaces?

1 comment:

  1. I agree with you that there is no harm done by referring to the issue as a "war." If anything it brings more attention to the matter because our society is more interested and excited by "war," than by a "discussion" or "dispute."

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