Gender and politeness

Abstract

This thesis examines the ways politeness is socially constructed from childhood to adulthood. Integrating gender and politeness theory, this study shows that gender roles differ in certain contexts. It discusses ways gender corresponds with social expectations of behavior and permeates rules in the work force. In addition, gender stereotyping is discussed as a contributor to linguistic barriers. Transcripts from "CNN's Crossfire" represent a specific examples of aggressive speech between males during a debate. Literature on teaching pragmatic politeness is also outlined to show how people acquire socially constructed rules of speech. Many foundational linguistic strategies are presented as part of pragmatic competence within conversation.