Gender differences in communication

Mulac (1998) commented, “there are two abiding truths on which the general
public and research scholars find themselves in uneasy agreement: (a) men and women
speak the same language, and (b) men and women speak that language differently. These
differences in gender have been referred to as a cultural phenomenon. Mulac, Bradac, and
Gibbons (2001) defined culture as the social system that reinforces behavioral
expectations for group members whether they are national, ethnic or gender groups. They
report that these differences in men’s and women’s language are the result of different
experiences and socialization in our society. The consequences of this socialization may
be miscommunication, another position, sometimes viewed as an alternative to the
culture. Position suggests that the most important consequence of gender-related
language differences are differences in social power or status, which favors men.

Gudykunst and Ting-Toomey identified four “stylistic modes” of verbal

communication between genders.

1. Direct Vs Indirect style – this dimension represents the degree to which speakers
show their intentions through explicit verbal communication. Male style is
characterized as relatively direct, and the female style as relatively indirect. For
example, males use adjectives and directives. Females include uncertainty verbs
and questions.
2. Succinct Vs Elaborate style – this dimension addresses the quantity of talk that is
valued in different cultures. Salient silences and understatement often mark the
succinct style. Males for example, often use elliptical sentences. Descriptive
metaphors and similes and flowery expressions mark the elaborate style that is
more characteristic of women. Examples include dependent clauses and longer-
length sentences.
3. Personal Vs Contextual style – the personal style is individual-centered language
and enhances role “I” identity. In contrast, the use of contextual style is role-
centered language and enhances role identity. Women are more likely to use the
personal style, whereas men are more likely to use the contextual style.
4. Instrumental Vs Affective style – male use of the instrumental continuum is seen
in references to quantity and locatives. Women use the affective end of the
continuum, referring more often to emotion, and on people’s feelings.

Results of the studies by Gudykunst and Ting-Toomey demonstrate substantial

support for the hypothesis that various features of male language are perceived as
relatively direct, succinct, and instrumental. Female language is judged as relatively
indirect, elaborate, and affective.

- Men communicate in the basis of social hierarchy and competition, while women
tend to be more network-oriented and collaborative.
- Men find electronic communication easier to use for information dissemination but
more difficult to use for interaction among students or co-workers.
- Earlier studies found that women tended to have more negative attitudes toward
computing and technology than men, but recent studies show these attitudes are
changing.

Nurse educators need to be aware of the differences in language between males and
females. Considering that a majority of nurse educators and learners in nursing are
female, understanding the communication patterns of males and females facilitates
educational instruction.
Nurse educators have a unique opportunity and privilege to provide instruction for
patients and clients, nursing students, and nurses.