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Muted Group Theory: communication

Have you ever felt that language in our society is a "man made" construction? Have you ever felt that women and other subordinate groups are not as equally free to say what they want because of society norms set by men, the dominate group? If you have experienced this, then you are part of the Muted Group. Anthropologists, Edwin Ardener and Shirley Ardener, originally introduced the Muted Group Theory. When researching, they noted many ethnographers cracked the code of a culture without referencing female speech. Together, Ardener and Ardener, claimed that muted groups are black holes because they are overlooked and seen as invisible. They discovered muteness was a lack of power and is identified with groups of low status. Later the theory was developed more completely, drawn upon, and modified by Cheris Kramarae and her colleagues. The actual idea of a Muted Group is typically seen as white Europeans males being the leading communicators in society. Women, elderly, the disabled, different ethnic groups, homosexuals, the poor and homeless feel inferior to the powerful group. Men have been known to take over and control public means of expression, allowing them to have a sense of power over the subordinate groups. This mean of


2. Because men are the dominant group in society, their system of perception is also dominant. This dominance impedes the free expression of women’s alternative models of the world.

Muted Group Theory is found throughout society in many different areas. Today, women face barriers such as gender stereotyping, the glass ceiling, balancing work and family, and sexual harassment in the workplace (DeLaat 2). Gender stereotypes are socially shared beliefs about the characteristics of men and women in general that influence our perceptions of individual men and women. Stereotypes of women include such descriptors as emotional, warm, and concerned with social amenities, while stereotypes of men include being competent, bold, and intellectually rational.

Last but not least, enthusiasm will have a huge impact on the U.N.I.T.E. program. One must have enthusiasm on what he or she is learning in order to understand the subject fully. It is not only the employee’s responsibility to stay energized about this program, but it also important for the executives and managers to stay excited. A way to begin a workshop would be to have an icebreaker between males and females that would ease the tension that might be built between the two groups. In the U.N.I.T.E. program, another way of insuring everyone’s voice is heard would be to open the room for conversation and discussion to enable the employees to express their concerns on the particular issues. Feedback from everyone’s point of view either negative or positive is a necessity when discussing issues that pertain to the company. Beginning a worshop with an icebreaker or opening the floor to discussion, are only a few of the many activities that can encourage participation between all subordinate groups. By allowing everyone the opportunity to speak their mind, this helps to break down the barriers that are holding the muted group theory together. When one shows the eagerness to learn, generally others surrounding the positive person will begin to take similar interest as well. The main point of the U.N.I.T.E. program is to get as many people involved as possible, allowing an overall positive mind-set towards the muted groups. By presenting the topic in this enthusiastic manner will optimistically create a more constructive learning environment.

Women have been faced with a gender barrier that disables them from advancing higher up the corporate ladder. This is referred to as the glass-ceiling phenomenon. Margaret Karsten defines the glass ceiling as “a transparent, but impermeable structural barrier that prevents women (and minorities) from reaching senior ranks” (Karsten 14). The glass ceiling is predominantly dealing with women, but does also affect the elderly, the disabled, different ethnic groups, and homosexuals. When an elderly person and a younger person are in competition for the same job, most of the time the younger person will prevail over the elder. The younger generation is more in touch with technology and what is going on in the world today. The simple fact that the younger individual will be able to physically perform longer and stronger at the workplace is also to their advantage. This same type of situation is true for disabled, minorities, and homosexuals.

The success of company largely depends on the interaction and teamwork of that company. Great teamwork begins with individuals having the strength and courage to stand up for their beliefs and opinions. This is strongly encouraged in the U.N.I.T.E. program by the building of an individual’s self-confidence. One’s self esteem is largely built by having individuals break into small groups allowing them to discuss any issues both positive and negative about their current work environment. Through these seminars and workshops, the enhancement of a team members' self esteem and confidence will enable their opinions and voices to be heard to the other groups. Then once an indi

Some topics in this essay:
Muted Theory, N” UNITE, Teamwork Enthusiasm, Legitimate Minority, Cheris Kramarae, Daniels NBC, Tony Soprano, Brockovich Aerial, Margaret Karsten, Dr Miller’s, unite program, muted theory, elderly disabled, society women, voices heard, glass ceiling, elderly disabled ethnic, homosexuals elderly, women society, kramarae’s assumption, women’s voices, disabled ethnic homosexuals, homosexuals poor homeless, system perception dominant, integrate genders minorities,

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Approximate Word count = 3971
Approximate Pages = 16 (250 words per page double spaced)


  

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