Muted Group Theory Chapter 28 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is muted group theory?

Muted group theory is a language system that was devised primarily by well-to-do men to represent their own experiences.

What is the focus of Muted Group Theory?

Muted Group Theory focuses on the power to name experiences.

How is the language of a particular culture limited in its ability to serve all members of that culture equally?

People are muted because their native language often does not provide a good fit with their life experiences.

Are all women muted, and do all men have voice?

False Signup and view all the answers

In what way is Muted Group Theory a critical theory?

Muted Group Theory points out problems with the status quo and suggests ways to remediate these problems. Signup and view all the answers

What observations of Edwin and Shirley Ardener led to the development of Muted Group Theory?

That groups making up the top end of the social hierarchy determine the communication system for the culture. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes muted groups?

Muted Groups are made up of any nondominant group. Signup and view all the answers

How do sex and gender differ?

Sex is a biological category (male and female), while gender is defined as the learned behaviors that constitute femininity and masculinity. Signup and view all the answers

What are the assumptions of muted group theory?

Women perceive the world differently than men due to different experiences, and men's dominant perception impedes women's expression. Signup and view all the answers

What does assumption one of Muted Group Theory mean?

Gender based differences in perception. Signup and view all the answers

What does assumption two of Muted Group Theory mean?

Assumption two deals with male dominance which states that men are the dominant group and their experiences are prioritized. Signup and view all the answers

What does assumption three of Muted Group Theory mean?

Assumption three speaks to the translation process women undergo to participate in social life. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of behavior that function to silence?

Ritual Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of the four types of behavior that function to silence?

Ridicule involves making fun of someone, rituals impose social rules that silence people, control involves interruptions, and harassment includes verbal and non-verbal threats. Signup and view all the answers

What strategies of resistance does the text suggest?

Naming the strategies of silence and elevating 'trivial' discourse. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Muted Group Theory Overview

Muted Group Theory originated from a language system structured by privileged men, reflecting their experiences.
The theory emphasizes the authority over naming experiences and how this power shapes communication.

Limitations of Cultural Language

Language can inadequately represent the experiences of marginalized groups, leading to their muteness.
Individuals often feel disconnected from their culture's dominant language, hindering effective communication.

Gender Dynamics

Not all women are silenced nor do all men possess a voice; individual experiences vary significantly.
Muted Groups include any non-dominant faction within a society, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy.

Critical Theory Element

Muted Group Theory critiques societal norms and proposes solutions to address these inequities.

Edwin and Shirley Ardener's Observations

The dominant social hierarchy shapes the communication systems, marginalizing groups like women, the underprivileged, and people of color.
Lower power groups must navigate and adapt to the communication frameworks set by those in power.

Distinction between Sex and Gender

Sex is defined biologically as male or female based on chromosome composition (XX for female, XY for male).
Gender encompasses the cultural expectations and behaviors associated with femininity and masculinity.

Assumptions of Muted Group Theory

Women have distinct perceptions shaped by different experiences rooted in labor division.
Men's political dominance elevates their perspectives, hindering women's expression of alternative viewpoints.
Women are required to translate their experiences into the dominant male narrative to engage socially.

Types of Silencing Behaviors

Ridicule: Mocking or belittling individuals.
Ritual: Utilizing social customs that suppress voices.
Control: Disruption of speech, such as interruptions.
Harassment: Threats communicated verbally or non-verbally.

Strategies for Resistance

Identify and articulate silencing tactics, transforming them into topics for dialogue.
Reclaim and elevate seemingly trivial discussions to empower marginalized voices.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Muted Group Theory with this set of flashcards based on Chapter 28. Understand how language influences power dynamics and the representation of experiences in society. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of communication theory.