ChihYi Liao (COMM 237 ,Reaction Module 6)
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Portland Community College *
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237
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Communications
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May 1, 2024
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ChihYi Liao
COMM 237
Reaction Module 6
Feb 14, 2023
Gendered Education
Julia T. Wood and Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz's textbook Gendered Lives Chapter 8 of the course, titled "Gendered Communication in Close Relationships," investigates the complexities of how gender influences communication in personal relationships. In this article, I'll go over three major topics from this chapter that I found especially intriguing and how they've influenced my view of gendered communication.
The first concept that stood out to me was the idea of gendered styles of communication.
The chapter explains how men and women tend to have distinct approaches to communication, with women being more expressive and attuned to emotions, while men tend
to be more direct and assertive. This concept resonated with my personal experiences in relationships, where I have observed these gendered communication styles play out. For instance, I noticed that in arguments, women are more likely to use 'I' statements and express their emotions, while men tend to focus on finding a solution. This understanding has helped me recognize and appreciate the unique communication styles of different genders.
Another concept that caught my attention was the concept of the double bind. This refers
to the conflicting messages that society sends to women: on the one hand, women are
expected to be assertive and confident, but on the other hand, they are also supposed to conform to traditional gender norms and be nurturing and submissive. This double bind can manifest in communication as well, where women are criticized for being either too aggressive or too passive. This concept made me re-evaluate my communication patterns and how I unintentionally contribute to this double bind by assigning certain communication styles to specific genders.
The third key concept that I found thought-provoking was the idea of gender fluidity in relationships. The textbook highlights how gender is not a fixed construct and that individuals
may identify with various gender identities. This can complicate communication within relationships, where traditional notions of masculinity and femininity may hinder effective communication. This chapter made me realize the importance of being open-minded and inclusive in my interactions with others, especially in close relationships.
While the chapter contained many valuable insights, some sections made me uncomfortable. One such section is the discussion of gender and power dynamics within relationships, specifically in the context of sexual relationships. The chapter discusses how traditional gender roles can contribute to unequal power dynamics, leading to issues such as sexual violence and control over sexual activity. While this is an uncomfortable topic to confront, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge it to address and prevent such issues.
In terms of improving my communication, this chapter provided me with several useful
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