Chapter 10 Gendered Organizational Communication

During this chapter Woods summarizes the different stereotypes that both men and women face. Usually one does not realize that they are using stereotypes to refer to or interpret others. Some typical stereotypes women face are being viewed as a sex object, mother, child, or iron maiden. All of these are demeaning and generalize women into these specific groups. On a daily basis everybody comes in contact with some form of gender stereotypes whether it is through the media or through a conversation. This embeds in us some form of feeling towards the stereotype and we tend to associate this with the group of people the stereotype was aimed towards.

 Personally, I have tried to refrain from the use of stereotypes but it is very hard to do so in a society that you are submersed in. Having strong relationships with women has opened my eyes to the types of stereotyping they face. My girlfriend often points out different advertisements in which females are being portrayed as sexual figures and I have since gotten into the habit of doing the same. Being aware of the issue is a large part of the problem.

Males also are generalized through stereotypes as well; some include: sturdy oak, fighter and breadwinner. These stereotypes are less common but nonetheless have similar effects. Stereotypes cause people to feel an added pressure to be a certain way and can potentially lead to issues with self-confidence and self-worth. The most common stereotype of them all is the breadwinner. Most people expect males to earn more and support the family but this stereotype devalues the efforts made by women and their contributions in the household.

In the affirmative action section I found the comments by the students to be very upsetting.

The “Johnson” character stated that “I've never done anything to discriminate against members of other races, so I don’t think I should have to step aside so they can have special advantages now. I don’t owe them anything, and I earned everything I've got.”  First this student must not be aware of something called “white privilege”.

White privilege is the privilege of not having to think about race while reaping benefits and being advantaged over other races due to the color of one’s skin. This person does not understand that he is in the position that he is in because of his race. He has the opportunity to have everything he has because of his race. Being a part of the in-group, one must have a moral obligation to ensure that those who are marginalized should receive the same kind of treatment regardless of the fact that direct discrimination did not take place by them. Because this person did not take place in racist acts does not change the fact that he is still benefiting from this societal structure that places a higher value and importance on white men.


 So to say that he owes members of oppressed groups nothing is incorrect and insensitive due to the fact that he is reaping the benefits of years of racism and the only way to remedy the situation would be to revoke the benefits and privileges bestowed upon him. A small way of doing so would be to support actions that attempt to bridge the gap of privilege.

I urge you all to check out this link for more examples of white privilege http://www.buzzfeed.com/michaelblackmon/17-harrowing-examples-of-white-privilege-9hu9#.hgyKwYpDX

Discussion Questions

How do you feel Affirmative Action to be bridging the gap between the marginalized and the ingroup?

How can Affirmative Action be changed to ensure that it is run properly and with more success?

How does it make you feel to hear stereotypes being applied to family members? Friends of the opposite sex? Friends?

Should the Quota system be changed? If so in which ways?