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Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

Introducing Communication Theory Analysis and Application. Third Edition. Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University. Muted Group Theory (MGT). Chapter 28. based on the research of Cheris Kramarae. Chapter Summary Theory at a Glance Introduction

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Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

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  1. Introducing Communication TheoryAnalysis and Application Third Edition Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

  2. Muted Group Theory (MGT) Chapter 28 based on the research of Cheris Kramarae Chapter Summary • Theory at a Glance • Introduction • Origins of MGT • Makeup of Muted Groups • Assumptions of MGT • Process of Silencing • Strategies of Resistence • Critique

  3. Theory at a Glance • Language serves its creators better than those in other, muted groups • Experiences of the creators are named clearly in language • Muted groups appear less articulate • Muted groups create their own language to compensate

  4. Introduction • Language systems influence and limit ability to represent experiences • Language is limited in its ability to serve all members equally • MGT questions status quo and provides solutions

  5. Origins of Muted Group Theory Theory originators are Edwin & Shirley Ardener (1975) • Groups at the top of a social hierarchy determine the communication system • Women's experiences were studied by talking to men

  6. Origins of Muted Group Theory Ardener illustrated the process of muting: • Dominant group’s language is a result of their worldview and experiences • Muted group translates into the dominant group’s language • Articulations of the muted group are broken and less clear

  7. Origins of Muted Group Theory • The English language names concepts important to men, not women (Taylor & Hardman, 2000) • Female nurses have difficulty assuming authority due to stereotypes (Callan, 1978) • Differences in language experiences of mothers giving birth (Sterk, 1999)

  8. Makeup of Muted Groups • Most research focuses on females as a muted group • Application to any nondominant group

  9. Makeup of Muted Groups • Sex • Gender

  10. Assumptions of MGT • Gender-based differences in perception • Men and women have different experiences • Rooted in the division of labor • Men and women perceive the world differently • Second shift Continued…

  11. Assumptions of MGT • Male dominance • Men dominant politics • Men’s systems of perception are dominant • Women’s experiences are unnamed or difficult to express Continued…

  12. Assumptions of MGT • Women’s translation processes • To participate in society, women transform their models to the male system of expression • Storytelling • “Sexual harassment” and “date rape”

  13. The Process of Silencing • Ridicule • Ritual • Control • Men as Gatekeepers • Harassment

  14. Strategies of Resistance Strategies to change the status quo: • Name the strategies of silencing • Reclaim, elevate, and celebrate “trivial” discourse • Create a more representative language

  15. Critical Strengths of MGT • Provocative • Challenges us to think about biases in our language system

  16. Criticisms of MGT • Lack of Utility • Relies on essentialism • Exaggerates women’s mutedness • Heurism and Test of Time • Not too many studies use MGT as a framework • Assumptions are not empirically validated

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