Gender and Communication
Dr. Marcia D. Dixson
Building Bridges Between the Sexes
through Understanding of our Differences and Similarities
COM 410 Gender and Communication
Midterm
Chapters 2-5
Choose two of the following questions. Write a well defined argument articulating your perspective on the issue and answering the question. Papers should be typed, double spaced, one inch margins and no longer than two pages (for each question).You may use your (and other groups') media projects to support your answer. However, that may not be your only support (Hint: there's some pretty good stuff in your text.) Please feel free to use personal experiences you are comfortable sharing to support your answers. No library research is required or desired.
1. Are we (as a society) still socializing our children into traditional gender roles? What evidence do you have to support your answer? Is this good and/or bad for the child? Is it good and/or bad for society?
2. Your text maintains that sexist language is still in use in many contexts. How big of a problem is this for society? for men? for women?
3. Choose a particular media (i.e., music – rap, country, rock; TV sitcoms, movies, advertising). What messages is that media sending about gender roles?
4. What are some of the obstacles to building healthy cross-sex relationships (friend, family or romantic)? Where do these obstacles come from (be specific, don't just say "society")? How can we overcome them?
5. Explain the relevance of standpoint theory, social construction theory OR muted group theory to understanding gendered communication.