Assignment task: For those primarily socialized in a feminine community, the purpose of communication is to create and foster relational connections with other people. For those primarily socialized in a male community, the goal is to establish individuality by demonstrating independence, showing control, and entertaining or performing for others. Is it inevitable that those goals conflict?
After you have read the article entitled "Gender Communication Differences and Strategies" by Simma Liverman in this week's Videos & Readings, answer the following questions.
Have you personally encountered or witnessed any of the differences noted in the Liverman article in terms of attitude (tasks vs. relationships), processing information, styles (leadership or communication), or talk time? If so, explain. If not, which of the strategies do you think you would be most likely to encounter and why?
What strategies to bridge gender differences and value diverse styles mentioned in the Liverman article did you find most helpful and why?
Do you have an opportunity in your professional or personal life to apply one of the strategies from the Liverman article to a gender communication problem? Describe the situation that you are encountering and how you could demonstrate cross-gender communication competence by using one of the strategies.