GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION
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Communication is a factor in a relationship that cannot be ignored. Communication can either make or break a relationship. In other words, having good communication can enhance and make intimate relationships more satisfying. On the other hand, poor communication can separate and make the relationship miserable. Therefore, communication is essential in enabling two individuals to reveal, inform, and grow in an intimate relationship. Without this kind of communication, conflict and dissolution will surely result. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to improve communication skills between couples. However, these studies indicate that men and women have difficulty communicating with each other. There seems to be a gender-gap that prevents men and women from "getting through" to one another. Thus, gender differences regarding communication, in terms of self-disclosure, will be discussed. In addition, cultural stereotypes and paren tal socialization will also be discussed as reasons why such communicational gender differences exist. Self-disclosure is one of the most studied gender differences in communication. Many studies show that females disclose more than males. In one study, written self-description was used to see the difference of self-disclosure between the opposite sex. The study concluded that "females did not use more words to de scribe themselves than males, but they disclosed more intimate information about
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se. Likewise, males disclose more practical, informative, and factual material, hence, they expect a more practical and non-emotional response. Therefore, self-disclosure will not result when a like response is not expected. The aforementioned studies indicated that females disclose material that is more personal and feeling-oriented. The women also tend to be more open when disclosing problems. Males, however, were shown to disclose factual and practical material , and males were more inhibited than females in dis closing problems.
One may inquire why such gender differences in communication exist. Gender stereotype may be one such reason. Men and women
may communicate or behave differently because of stereotypes. In other words, men may want to be more expressive and women may want to be more practical; however, social stereotypes may not let the two sexes deviate from their roles. One research, conducted by Gordon J. Chelune at University of Nevada, Reno, sug gested that stereotypes are rewarded and enforced by the people around us. Chelune's study was designed to examine reactions of both male and female observers when exposed to high and low levels of self-disclosure by male and female samples. In respect to the
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Approximate Word count = 1362
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)
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