Gendered Nonverbal Communication

            In chapter 6 of Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender and Culture, Julia Wood discusses the importance of gendered nonverbal communication. Wood talks about artifacts and how people use artifacts in order to express their own identity. Wood uses three artifacts that express different definitions of femininity and masculinity. The first one being toys that young boys and girls use everyday. Wood points out that there are major differences between male and female toys, which could potentially lead to young children defining their gender in a certain way because of societal norms. Boys are more likely to receive toys that encourage rough and active play. Boys tend to play with cars, planes, swords, and building sets. While girls are more likely to receive toys that revolve around domestic activities and motherly jobs. Girls normally play with kitchen sets, baby dolls, make up, or dress up outfits. Wood’s research led to some conclusions, “…(1) Toys are sex-segregated—different aisles for girls’ and boys’ toys; (2) the boys’ section features action toys (Spider-Man, NEO-Shifters), whereas girls’ sections features toys that involve fashion (wigs and make up), taking care of homes (toy vacuums), and nurturing (dolls), and (3) toys for boys usually come in darker, bolder colors then do toys for girls” (Wood 126). Wood explains that these differences in boys’ and girls’ toys can effect how a young child grows up. Boys and girls learn to understand the differences between males and females because of toys they play. Young boys and girls learn to act a certain way in order to express their biological gender. It would be abnormal to see a boy playing with a kitchen set because a kitchen set is “suppose” to be for girls and expresses the ideals of femininity. Kids who break these social norms of gender are normally criticized and questioned by their peers.

            Wood goes on to talk about the differences between men and women’s clothing and how clothing is another form of nonverbal communication society uses in order to communicate gender identity. Men’s clothing tends to be more useful and functional. Men’s pants and jackets normally have big pockets so they can carry their wallet, keys, phone etc. Male clothing also tends to have a looser fit allowing for more movement and activity. Furthermore men’s shoes are designed to let men more quickly and efficiently. Overall men’s clothing normally focuses on allowing males to be active. Women’s clothing is very different from men’s clothing. Clothing that women wear normally is tightly fitted and shows off a woman’s body. In our society, there is a major focus on a woman’s appearance and body. Women are constantly being criticized for their looks and clothing. Women’s clothing really encourages women to show off their femininity and sexuality. With little to no pockets women normally need purses in order to carry their wallets, keys, phones, etc. Lastly, women’s shoes are normally uncomfortable and hard to walk in. These differences between men and women’s clothing further separates males and females.

            Wood also discusses another artifact that society uses in order to nonverbally express gender. Advertisements communicate gendered values and norms seen throughout our culture. Wood says, “Advertisements for food, homemaking, and child rearing feature women, reiterating the view of women as homemakers and mothers…” (Wood 128). Women are normally seen as mothers and homemakers; advertisements encourage women to stay at home and take care of their children. Wood also says, “Products associated with heavy work, cars, and outdoor sports feature men, underlining the assumption that men are strong and daring” (Wood 128). Male advertisements promote the typical male dominance ideal that males have power and control over women. Men and women are expected to act a certain way because of cultural norms. Children’s toys, clothing, and advertisements all encourage these social norms and make it difficult for people to challenge the ideals of femininity and masculinity. Wood understands these artifacts to be a nonverbal form of communication to express gender identity.

            I thought this chapter was really interesting and did a good job explaining how men and women express their gender identity differently. I believe that the idea of gender identities is not natural and that it has been created by our own society.  I also think it is really important that our society learns to accept a range of different definitions of gender. There is not only one-way to be masculine or feminine; people should be able to express their definition of gender comfortably. I think that advertisements and media have created a certain norm of gender that some people feel the need follow. For example there are thousands of magazines that portray women who are young, skinny, and beautiful. Magazine photos have led young girls feel a certain pressure to look a certain way and to compete with others. Society and media have created a specific definition of beauty. Young women are participating in unhealthy ways of living in order to be society’s definition of “beautiful”. Some women believe that in order to be pretty they need to be a size 0 with perfect skin and a bikini ready body. I think society and our generation needs to understand that there are many different forms of beauty and that there is not just one way to look beautiful.

            These traditional gender codes are seen throughout our society. I think there are some consequences to our societal social norms of gender. Certain men and women may feel trapped within this tradition and may be afraid to break social norms in order to express their true gender. I think it would be interesting to ask the class if they have ever felt the need to look or act a certain way because of how media and advertisements portray men and women.