Psychology 409b Outline 4/3/06

Psychology 409b Outline 4/3/06

Outline 5

Linguistic Strategies: Power and Solidarity in Gender and Dominance.

By Bao Mien Lau

Gender and Discourse by Deborah Tannen. Oxford University Press, pgs. 19-31

Instructor: Dr. Leon James

I. Theoretical Paradigm of Power and Solidarity

a. Power

i. Governs asymmetrical relationships

1. Where one is subordinate to another.

A. For example, a teacher/student relationship.

b. Solidarity

i. Governs symmetrical relationships

1. Characterized by equality and similarity.

A. For example, a husband and wife relationship.

c. A three-piece suit

i. Can be used to show both solidarity and power relationship.

1. Wearing the suit to a board meeting shows solidarity

2. Wearing the suit to a shopping mall shows power.

II. Linguistic Strategies

a. All linguistic strategies are ambiguous

i. What appears as power may be in fact an act of solidarity.

b. Power and Solidarity can be confused during a conversation

i. For example, a woman asking a man (her friend) where is coat is.

1. She is concerned about his health (solidarity)

2. He thinks she is acting like a parent rather than a peer (power)

III. Multiple Meanings of Power and Solidarity

a. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between Power and Solidarity.

i. A friend who repeatedly picks up the check.

1. Is she being generous or attempting to show her/his wealth to you?

2. If the friend is just being generous, you still could feel as though she has power over you because of the action of her always picking up the check.

3. The friend could also be playing the “Power Card” by always picking up the check, thereby making you feel inferior.

b. Solidarity can be used as a form of control

i. Mentioning a problem to a peer

1. The peer responds by saying that it’s unusual.

2. Makes the person feel inferior and have less status

a. Power hidden in solidarity.