Language and Gender

I've always found that it is less acceptable in society for women to swear than men, even though swearing has become much more common. Women are often told that "swearing isn't attractive". Is it just a woman's job to be attractive? Does everything that she does have to involve her creating an attractive image? I've never heard anyone tell a man that him swearing makes him unattractive. Also, in the workplace if there is a male boss and a female boss, if they both said the same thing, the man would come across as powerful and in charge, whereas the woman would be seen as bossy. I also think that if a woman complains, it is seen as whiny and obstructive; as if she is only complinign for the sake of it. Whereas if a man complains, he is much more respected for it. For example, if there was a man and a woman at a train station and they both complain or make a comment that the train is late, the woman is much more likely to be met with a response such as "well, it's not the trains fault" whereas a man will be met with a response such as "I know, it's terrible". People are more likely to agree with the man and belittle the woman.

I also find that in texts, mainly books, men are portrayed as more powerful. For example, in a book I read a while ago, there was a very successful FEMALE journalist. She had a great career, was moving from print to screen and was also the face of a clothes range. Then she was told, by MALE managers, to lose weight. She does, she starts taking drugs and finally collapses weighing six and a half stone and is saved by a MAN. I do not believe the book was trying to make a statement about women in industry, but rather believed that this is what women want to read. A weak-willed woman being rescued by a big, strong man. This only helps build the image of sterotypical 'weak women'.

http://www.salon.com/2011/10/16/why_do_men_and_women_talk_differently/

Women are often thought to be rude and interruptive, although research shown in this ^ article shows that what were previously thought of as interruptions are actually overlaps where women are helping each other tell a story. Women are more likely to be supportive of each other, by asking questions and involving themself in conversation, and make similar remarks about a subject than men, who are less likely to agree with each other (even if, secretly, they actually do). Women are also more likely to be verbally emotive with a stranger.

There is also the concept of 'duelling', where men make jovial remarks which are actually quite offensive. This could be in the form of mentioning someones "beer belly" or greeting them with an offensive name. This has been shown as an innate tactic to impress women, however over time the way women want a man to speak has changed. Women are much mroe impressed now by intelligence and upon first meeting someone, intelligence is shown through the way you speak and the way you use words.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/10/19/why-do-men-and-women-talk-differently/

This article ^ says that the cooperation between women is called "duetting", women form bonds through the sharing of stories, and these bonds are the basis of long lasting friendships. This is why, as children, girls are more likely to whisper secrets to each other- already they know that the sharing of information will lead to trusting friendships.