A quick Glimpse to understand the differences between men and women
The terminology of Social Interaction
Social interaction means how we interact, react, and get influenced by others like the way we talk, speak, and adopt or reject social, cultural, and religious practices. The way we adapt to society. It involves exchange whether materialistic or non-materialistic ex-buying something from a shopkeeper or talking with friends. Dawson and Gettyes define Social Interaction as “it is a process by which men interpenetrate the minds of each other.”
Social interaction and Gender
When we talk about social interaction between men and women, it shows a wide difference in the sense of cultural and social norms. They have different sets of behaviors and practices which are associated with their gender such as “ Pink color” is for women and ``Blue” is for men. The socio-cultural structure of our society is such that men and women have different roles, expectations, stereotypes, etc. For Ex-The Hijras of India shows how gender is seen and perceived as they are more toward the feminine side so they dress, act, talk, and behave like them and are provocative towards men which are considered evil in Indian society and looked down upon.
The society and culture affects both the gender as everything is differentiated between masculine and feminine
The Early seeds of Social Norms
The seeds of masculinity and femininity and different “gender culture” sown early in childhood are being articulated in the form of their toys, subject, dress, etc. Research by Maltz and Broker claims the same” how children’s games contribute to molding them into their gender.” Ex- Girls paying house needs no complex strategy and thinking and make them aware of their feminine rules while boys play sports that are competitive, and require rules, objectives, and strategies. These define and shape the gender norms and their particular roles.
Differences in interacting socially
Both Males and females have different ways of communicating with each other. Take for instance women who are hesitant to share personal and intimate details as compared to men and are less confident than men. They prioritize communicating more and clearly which is rare in men.
They also have different ways of communicating with their own gender also as men make friends seeing common interests while females look for mutual support but they talk to the opposite gender with the same goal and factors like proximity, acceptance, effort, communication, and common interests, affection, and novelty.
It is very important to show affection and vulnerability and communicate openly and clearly while showing emotions, weakness, sympathy, and empathy. We have seen how men are being told not to show emotions, weakness, or vulnerability. Which in turn they show affection by doing activities with friends and doing favors and communicating shoulder-to-shoulder(e.g., watching sports on television).
While women communicate totally opposite they communicate weakness and vulnerability to their friends and show weakness and clearly communicate, support shows empathy, sympathy and provides comfort to their friends. Females prefer face-to-face interaction (e.g., meeting together to talk over lunch).
COMMUNICATION AND GENDER CULTURES
A communication culture is a group with norms and rules and how the communication happens in it. These are categorized into male and female. These cultures are based on and created by interacting with each other. We learn about activities and qualities of our sex via these cultures.
Gender plays a crucial role in breaking down these groups into males and females and the roles and how they communicate with each other.
COMMUNICATION STYLES
Deborah Tannen’s studies revealed the difference between males and females - where males refer to masculine people and females refer to feminine people. Women can talk constantly about one topic while men can jump from one topic to another.
Women actively participate and make noises like “uh-huh” and “ mm-hmm” . Studies revealed that Men are perceived as better listeners and listen attentively and silently. Women are inclined towards agreement and support while men are inclined towards debate.
Communication in Workplace
Men believe in fun and trash talk while women find it irritating, annoying, and a sign of hostile overconfidence
Men avoid asking questions and doubts to others as it can reduce their ego while women don't shy away from it and ask doubts without any hesitation
Men don't give feedback and appreciation and take it on their ego while women find this as a sign of arrogance and they openly appreciate criticize others and give honest feedback
Women maintain equality in the workplace and acknowledge other’s contributions while men see this as a weakness and try to take credit for themselves and don't make other people worthy
Women make sure everyone is on the same page and has understanding and try to include everyone and don’t act pushy in the decision while men see this as indecisiveness.
Dr.Carol Kinsey, Cohn, and Usheroff had suggested choosing a middle path and blending feminine and masculine attributes, and creating an environment of constructive criticism, feedback, communication, etc.
Conclusion
These set and defined gender communication are changing and will take time to change completely. Now women give speeches, participate in sports and men are excelling in makeup and fashion, talk openly and men show emotions, weakness, and vulnerability. It is only via education that children can break free from these norms and practices. Parents should also not force these stereotypes and set roles on children instead encourage and support them and we as a society also change and overcome these set rules and roles.
The change can only come from us so we first have to change as a person and educate ourselves about sex, class, religion, gender and overcome all the set rules, norms and stereotypes and make this world a fair, equal, safe, and happy place where you don’t have to set your self according to a cultural, political, societal mold and live the way as you want to wear what you want, play what you want to play, talk loud, slow, choose the subject and profession you love, cry, laugh without any fear of judgment or restriction.
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