Free Essay About Gender Communication

After the observational period, it appeared that men and women communicate both the same and differently. For example, the same number of men and women were observed for observational purposes, putting the numbers at ten each. Six males interrupted the speaker, while five females interrupted the speaker. The only difference in their behavior is the males were often more aggressive physically about the interruption, stepping forward, moving their upper body in an aggressive motion, or waving their arm in a cutting motion toward the speaker. Females interrupted the speaker, but often did so quietly. Each gender acts differently, apparently based on the individual, when interrupted, however. Thirty percent of the males remained quiet, though body language suggested anger, while the remaining 70% continued talking more loudly to be heard. Fifty percent of females allowed the interrupter to speak, but this was only in instances when the interrupter was a male. When the interrupter was another female, the female continued to speak more loudly.
As stated, ten males and ten females were observed throughout the observation. The setting was a public restaurant. It was noisy; loud talking was permitted, as were children. Also for the purposes of the observation, it was important the individuals felt comfortable communicating. As a precautionary method, food was ordered and devices were used in order to not look conspicuous. I had headphones in, though no music was playing. It allowed people sitting near me, or far from me, to continue talking, as they thought I was immersed in whatever I was doing. I took notes on my phones, allowing the observed individuals to assume I was on social media, as well.
Based on my field notes, males and females appear to communicate in primarily different ways. Ninety percent of the men would have been considered loud, while only 30% of the women would have been considered loud. Interruptions have already been discussed. 100% of the men acted aggressive during some point of the observation. Only 10% of the women acted aggressive during the observation. Extroversion could be a factor, but what seemed to play more of a part was whom the individual was communicating to, as well. Women were louder and more actively communicable with other women, while men were aggressive more often with other men, for example. However, men interrupted female counterparts more often, and women let themselves be interrupted by men equally as often. The latter did not surprise me, though I was mildly surprised by how many women were aggressive in a public place. It made me reflect on the stereotypes of the female gender we are drip-fed since we are children.