As You Will Recall From Chapter 10 And The Changing Minds Article Onge
As you will recall from Chapter 10 and the Changing Minds article on Genderlect, family and gender relationships often reflect a variety of elements that affect how communication is conducted. For this week’s assignment, you will take the opportunity to explore this by choosing from one of the two options below and preparing a two-page paper describing the impact of either family or gender on communication, as well as your own personal communication strengths and growth. For Option 1 use the Week 4 Assignment Option One template for formatting and for Option 2 use the Week 4 Assignment Option Two template.
Assignment Options
Option 1: Family communication
Watch the video, The Power of Family: Types of Families and Family Development, and reflect on your own family. Describe how your family has influenced your communication style. Explain how that communication style could influence your strengths and opportunities as a human service professional.
Option 2: Gender communication
Complete the Open Sex Role Inventory test and reflect on the results. Describe your own gender beliefs based on the results of the inventory. Explain how the results of the inventory, your gender strengths, might influence your communication and practice in human services.
Assignment Requirements
The Family and Gender Communication Assignment: Must be two double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper, student’s name, course name and number, instructor’s name, date submitted. Must document all sources in APA style. Must include a separate reference page formatted according to APA style.
Resources
Required Text
DeVito, J.A. (2016). The interpersonal communication book (14th ed.). Retrieved from Chapter 10: Interpersonal Relationship Types (pp. ).
Articles
Burrell, T. (2018). Don’t interru…. New Scientist Archive, 34. Retrieved from the full-text version available through Ashford University’s Proquest database. This article discusses communication skills relevant to this week’s assignment and discussions.
Multimedia
Rstafffordjr. (2012, April 26). Genderlect theory by Deborah Tannen [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube.
Jennings, J. (Writer & Producer), & Vandiver, P. (Director). (2008). The power of family: Types of families and family development. Available through Films On Demand database.
Websites
Personality Tests: Open Sex Role Inventory. Provides an interactive version of the Open Sex Role Inventory supporting Option 2.
Changing Minds. (n.d.). Genderlect. Provides an overview of Deborah Tannen’s Genderlect concept supporting discussion on gender communication.
Paper For Above instruction
Communication is an essential component of human interaction, directly influenced by various social elements such as family and gender roles. These factors shape individuals’ communication styles, beliefs, and practices, especially as they prepare to enter fields like human services where effective communication is critical. This paper explores the influence of either family or gender on communication, along with a personal reflection on communication strengths and growth within the context of these influences.
Impact of Family on Communication
In considering family influence, I reflect on how familial interactions and dynamics shape communication styles. The video "The Power of Family" emphasizes that the structure and development of a family significantly impact how members communicate, express emotions, and resolve conflicts. My own family environment, characterized by close-knit interactions and open emotional exchanges, fostered a communication approach that is empathetic, expressive, and collaborative. Growing up in a family where active listening and respect for individual opinions were core values, I developed strengths in empathetic
listening and interpersonal sensitivity. These skills translate well into human service professions, where understanding clients' perspectives and building trust are vital.
Moreover, family influences extend beyond immediate interactions, affecting attitudes towards authority, conflict resolution, and emotional expression. For example, in my family, conflict was addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation, promoting a calm and respectful approach in challenging situations. Such tendencies enhance my ability to mediate conflicts and foster positive relationships in professional settings. However, my family’s emphasis on harmony sometimes limits directness, which I recognize as an area for growth—to balance compassion with assertiveness in client interactions.
Impact of Gender on Communication
On the other hand, examining gender roles and communication styles through the Open Sex Role Inventory reveals ingrained beliefs affecting my interactions. My results indicated a balanced orientation towards traditionally masculine and feminine traits, suggesting flexibility in communication styles. Deborah Tannen’s Genderlect theory asserts that men and women often have differing communication preferences—men tend to report facts and solutions, while women often focus on building rapport and emotional bonds. Understanding these differences helps in tailoring communication approaches appropriate to diverse clients, fostering effective human service delivery.
My gender beliefs, as informed by the inventory, support the development of a versatile communication style. For instance, I am comfortable employing active listening and emotional validation, aligning with feminine communication traits, while also presenting information clearly and assertively when needed, reflecting masculine traits. This duality enhances my ability to adapt to various client needs and situations, making me a more effective practitioner. Nonetheless, awareness of gendered communication biases is essential; avoiding stereotypes and promoting equitable interactions remains a priority for growth.
Personal Communication Strengths and Growth
Currently, my strengths include empathetic listening, adaptability, and a respectful approach to dialogue, all of which are rooted in familial influences and balanced gender role beliefs. These qualities facilitate rapport-building and trust in professional relationships, crucial in human services. Recognizing the value of these strengths, I also seek to improve in areas such as assertiveness, particularly in advocating for clients and setting boundaries.
To foster my growth, I aim to engage in active skill development through training and reflective practices, such as role-playing and feedback. Understanding the influence of both family and gender on my communication reinforces the importance of ongoing self-awareness and flexibility. As I evolve professionally, I recognize that cultivating cultural competence and sensitivity to clients’ individual backgrounds will further enhance my communication efficacy.
Conclusion
In summary, family and gender are influential in shaping communication styles and beliefs. My familial environment fostered empathetic, respectful communication, which I integrate into my professional practice. Simultaneously, understanding my gender role influences allows me to adapt my communication strategies to diverse situations and clients. Continuous growth in assertiveness and cultural competence will strengthen my capacity to serve effectively in the human services field, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in professional communication.
References
DeVito, J. A. (2016). The interpersonal communication book (14th ed.). Pearson.
Burrell, T. (2018). Don’t interru…. New Scientist Archive, 34. Retrieved from ProQuest database.
Tannen, D. (1994). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. Ballantine Books.
Changing Minds. (n.d.). Genderlect. Retrieved from https://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/genderlect.htm
Personality Tests: Open Sex Role Inventory. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/open-sex-role-inventory
Jennings, J. (Writer & Producer), & Vandiver, P. (Director). (2008). The power of family: Types of families and family development [Video]. Films On Demand.
Rstafffordjr. (2012). Genderlect theory by Deborah Tannen [Video]. YouTube.
DeVito, J. A. (2016). The interpersonal communication book (14th ed.). Pearson.
Burrell, T. (2018). Don’t interru…. New Scientist Archive, 34.
Tannen, D. (1994). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. Ballantine Books.