Saturday, November 12, 2011

Haptics-Gender Differences

In the Knapp and Hall study of 1982, the idea that gender differences in nonverbal communication, was addressed. It was stated that "gender roles are collections of attitudes, behaviors and traits assumed to be desirable for each sex". In addition, it was stated that they are reflected even in the the early-appearing nonverbal variations in life. In our society, the male sex roles include task orientation, assertiveness, dominance, autonomy, and dominance. Empathy,nurturing, gentleness, and interpersonal orientation are prescribed for the female (Knapp & Hall, 1982). It is important for men and women to behave as a woman or man is expected to behave. (Knapp & Hall, 1982). In another study, Major (1981, as cited in Willis & Briggs, 1992) came to the conclusion "that men are more likely to initiate touch in opposite-gender encounters"


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