Author Question: Cite a major criticism of the assumption that men and women communicate differently. What will be ... (Read 69 times)

Mr. Wonderful · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Cite a major criticism of the assumption that men and women communicate differently.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the onion theory of communication.

What will be an ideal response?

ricroger · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

One of the biggest criticisms has been in Tannen's unidimensional approach of studying gender differences in communication. To Tannen, gender is based on biological sex. Therefore, all women communicate one way and all men another way. However, it could be that differences in communication skills, rather than differences in gender, could contribute to communication differences.

Answer to Question 2

We all are onions with many, many layers, and when we first meet someone, we are careful about what we sayour onion layers stay in place. However, as time goes by, we begin to peel back our layers. At first we might talk about the weather and then progress to certain classes or professors. These comments are low risk and really don't involve sharing too much personal information. However, the next layer may include information about politics or family relationships, and the information gets more personal. As you begin to reveal your layers, so, too, does your partner. if you share something personal about yourself, your partner will probably do the same.