The Context document explores theories related to gender and communication. Take time to review the document for an overview of key communication-style theories, including the following: · Symbolic Interaction Theory. · Performative Theory. · Standpoint Theory. context Theories About Gender and Communication According to Fixmer-Oraiz and Wood, a theory is a "way to describe, explain, and predict relationships among phenomena" (Fixmer-Oraiz & Wood, 2019, p. 34). Specifically, theories help make sense of the world around us. "Although we are not always aware of the theories we hold, they still shape how we act and how we expect others to act" (Fixmer-Oraiz & Wood, 2019, p. 34). Moreover, theories are a practical way of explaining what goes on around us, and although we sometimes believe theories are removed from the real world, they are directly connected to our everyday actions (Fixmer-Oraiz & Wood, 2019). It is important to remember the following: · A theory represents a particular viewpoint as an attempt to understand phenomena. · A theory offers more than explanations; it also influences attitudes and behaviors. · One theory should not be considered the theory on gender development; multiple theories work together to create a fuller picture. The study of theoretical approaches to gender development and communication has been on the focus of researchers for many years. Before we can truly understand how males and females communicate, we must understand why we communicate a certain way. To do this we must study the theoretical approaches to gender development and communication. Specifically, gender is a social construct shaped by a number of social characteristics, larger normative expectations, personal experiences, and socializations. As communicators we must recognize the power of language and communication. We must understand why we use this to perceive, judge, and evaluate others. Communication Style Theories Following are some of the main theories that help us better understand the why behind our communication styles: Symbolic Interaction Theory Symbolic interaction theory helps us negotiate and define a situation. It helps us understand questions such as the following: · Who am I? · What should I do? · What can I expect from you? · What does this behavior mean? The symbolic interaction theory suggests that cultural definitions of gender follow us into the workplace, along with specific value placed on "masculine" versus "feminine" behaviors. It suggests that, because you must interpret a new situation based on previous experience, you may have to "feel uncomfortable" to create the perception that is important to you. This discomfort comes from breaking social norms, that is, you are requiring others to actively negotiate a new definition of the situation. Performative Theory The performative theory suggests that gender is an expression of identity. Language and how we communicate are part of how we perform this identity. It suggests ...

1. The Context document explores theories related to gender and
communication. Take time to review the document for an
overview of key communication-style theories, including the
following:
· Symbolic Interaction Theory.
· Performative Theory.
· Standpoint Theory.
context
Theories About Gender and Communication
According to Fixmer-Oraiz and Wood, a theory is a "way to
describe, explain, and predict relationships among phenomena"
(Fixmer-Oraiz & Wood, 2019, p. 34). Specifically, theories help
make sense of the world around us. "Although we are not
always aware of the theories we hold, they still shape how we
act and how we expect others to act" (Fixmer-Oraiz & Wood,
2019, p. 34). Moreover, theories are a practical way of
explaining what goes on around us, and although we sometimes
believe theories are removed from the real world, they are
directly connected to our everyday actions (Fixmer-Oraiz &
Wood, 2019). It is important to remember the following:
· A theory represents a particular viewpoint as an attempt to
understand phenomena.
· A theory offers more than explanations; it also influences
attitudes and behaviors.
· One theory should not be considered the theory on gender
development; multiple theories work together to create a fuller
picture.
The study of theoretical approaches to gender development and
communication has been on the focus of researchers for many
years. Before we can truly understand how males and females
communicate, we must understand why we communicate a

2. certain way. To do this we must study the theoretical
approaches to gender development and communication.
Specifically, gender is a social construct shaped by a number of
social characteristics, larger normative expectations, personal
experiences, and socializations. As communicators we must
recognize the power of language and communication. We must
understand why we use this to perceive, judge, and evaluate
others.
Communication Style Theories
Following are some of the main theories that help us better
understand the why behind our communication styles:
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Symbolic interaction theory helps us negotiate and define a
situation. It helps us understand questions such as the
following:
· Who am I?
· What should I do?
· What can I expect from you?
· What does this behavior mean?
The symbolic interaction theory suggests that cultural
definitions of gender follow us into the workplace, along with
specific value placed on "masculine" versus "feminine"
behaviors. It suggests that, because you must interpret a new
situation based on previous experience, you may have to "feel
uncomfortable" to create the perception that is important to you.
This discomfort comes from breaking social norms, that is, you
are requiring others to actively negotiate a new definition of the
situation.
Performative Theory
The performative theory suggests that gender is an expression
of identity. Language and how we communicate are part of how
we perform this identity. It suggests that we are always engaged
in a collaborative performance: male and female define each
other. This may speak to the important boundaries we enforce
culturally. We call this essentializing, where we assume a
dichotomy between men and women. In this experience, gender

3. is a lies on a continuum; it is neither a "he" nor "she." The
performative theory suggests that we can create and support
performances to provoke change to socially constructed
categories of gender expectations. Routine performances are
more important than dramatic departures if change is desired.
Heed this word of caution: We are wired to protect self (self-
esteem). Change can be seen as threat to our definition of self.
Communicate accordingly.
Standpoint Theory
This theory suggests that social location is culturally assigned.
You experience society through the lens of the membership
groups and the social locations you occupy. Critical evaluation
of this location leads to a standpoint. In other words, a feminist
perspective does not mean that only "women can understand
women." Members of the majority group (the powerful) have a
vested interest in preserving the existing hierarchy and their
place in it. As a result, views of social life may be more
distorted. There may be a deep need to protect definition of self.
Those in subordinate groups must understand their own
perspectives to survive. They may also have a clearer view of
the network due to outsider status. The standpoint theory holds
that you must invest time in understanding the power structure
you work in. You will need the support of others seeking to
change the communication dynamic in your workgroups.
References
Fixmer-Oraiz, N., & Wood, J. T. (2019). Gendered lives:
Communication, gender, and culture (13th ed.). Boston, MA:
Cengage.
Wood, J. T., & Bodey, K. R. (2010). Gendered lives:
Communication, gender, and culture [Instructor's Resource
Manual]. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth.
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider
the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a
work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the
business community.
For the following questions, refer to the Resources for links to

4. the Lieberman resource and the Parpart, Connelly, Barriteau,
and Eudine resource:
· What is the difference between communication and gendered
communication?
· Does a person "have" gender or "do" gender?
· What are the major theories that help us understand the
difference between communication and gendered
communication?
References
Lieberman, S. (n.d.). Differences in male and female
communication styles. Retrieved from
http://www.simmalieberman.com/articles/maleandfemale.html
Parpart, J. L., Connelly, M., Barriteau, P., & Eudine, V.
(2000). Theoretical perspectives on gender and development.
Ottawa, Canada: IDRC Books.
Write a 3–4-page analysis of the difference between
communication and gendered communication, including
personal and professional impact, the role of gender, and real-
life application.
This assessment requires you to conduct research and to apply
gender communication theories to daily personal and
professional experiences.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will
demonstrate your proficiency in the following course
competencies and assessment criteria:
· Competency 1: Critically analyze issues related to gender and
communication.
. Describe the influence gender has on communication.
. Explain the impact of gendered communication on workplace
communication.
· Competency 2: Evaluate personal and social dimensions of

5. gender, communications, and culture.
. Describe how communication styles differ depending on
personal and professional environments.
· Competency 5: Communicate effectively in a variety of
formats.
. Communicate effectively and concisely using APA formatting.