Deborah Tannen’s Theory Essay

In contemporary confederacy biological factors atomic number 18 no longer the sole components that distinguish work force and women. Rather anything from wearable or hair dahs to pull in or accessories batch indicate specific messages just about an individual. According to Deborah Tannen, women argon more frequently considered pronounced beings in our participation while men have fewer clothing or course options and are therefore free to catch ones breath un label. Although Tannen argues that it is possible for men to remain purely unmarked her assertions do not hold up hearty in a changing world. Because the term marked is a kind construction, it is not possible to remain completely unmarked, as styles and trends repeatedly metamorphose with different ages, generations, and geographic locations.In her study Tannen reveals that among four women and eight men present during a business meeting the women had several more features to honor compared to one another. However , Tannens conclusions seem partially invalid for her findings are found on only one particular event. In a business-like environment, it is more likely to find conservatively dressed men with less luminary markings than women. Even though women may not only be set based on their apparent style but also how they take on to present themselves. (i.e. Baggy clothes vs. tight clothes, make-up vs. no makeup). In general, Tannens findings appear questionable mainly because her approach when defining a marked individual seems limiting. For example, Tannen would call a man wearing a shirt a marked individual. However, it is quite common for men in Scotland to wear skirts. Without ever considering these geographic differences, Tannen makes bold assumptions based on her declare biases.When speculating a specific sub-culture such as the generational rave/terpsichore culture, Tannens argument holds no validity. Clearly both men and women in this culture wear similar styles of clothing and ac cessories that are in essence, uni-sex. eon piercings and jewelry might mark a man in society such stylistic choices are considered quite common and acceptable among ravers. likewise women who wear baggy clothes and baseball caps are not marked as less feminine than those who wear tighter clothes and make-up indoors this sub-culture are.According to Tannen, each of the women at the conference had to make decisions about hair, clothing, make-up and accessories and each decision carried meaning. men can choose style that are marked but they dont have to, and in this group none did. (231-2). Although Tannen makes the distinction between the style of men and women at a business conference, she fails to mention that their age and field of work influences what should be marked vs. unmarked and what styles appear appropriate vs. inappropriately.Clearly, Tannen states that all four women are marked yet some are considered more severely marked and judged than others are. Specifically, the women with the long, blond, hair, dressed in tight clothing and heels were more severely marked in Tannens eyes. However, Tannen never mentions that in another profession, such as the entertainment or fashion industry, the women style might be healthy less marked than an individual dressed more simple and conservatively.In conclusion, the assumptions that Tannen makes in her article infer that men in society can remain unmarked. Although men are objectified and sexualized less than women this does not mean that they are not in the public eye. Tannens view on like a shots marked society is based truly on her opinion. She omits geographical, generational and age differences when making her conclusion.