CAPS #3

Social Positions

            Martin and Nakayama define social positions as “the places from which people speak that are socially constructed and embedded with assumptions about culture and identity” (Martin and Nakayama, 2010).  This can mean that social positions are both conscious and unconscious.  The assumptions accompanying social position include ascribed and avowed identities of class, gender, race, ethnicity, etc.  Social position can also be indicated by the use and interpretation of labels that define a power and status differential (Martin and Nakayama, 2010).

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When social position is dependent on gender identity, Peter Kunsmann explains that the power conflict is resolved through the use of interruption and by posing questions (Linguistik online 5, 1/100).  Kunsmann states that men hold the power in a conversation and relationship by interrupting the communication they are participating in with a woman.  Women reclaim the power by posing questions and directing the communication event in a direction they choose.  In a study of demographic data provided by U.S. Census reports from 2000 and 2010, Pamela Bennett suggests that a social position based on race and ethnicity exists and is growing among Americans of mutli-racial identities (Lunday, 2011).  Bennett bases this suggestion on census data that multi-racial cultural groups are perceived at a racial level below white Americans, but above black Americans.  It is likely that this racial stratification will lead to class and ethnic social positions.

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Understanding a little more about the social positions of race and gender in America will help me to communicate more effectively with others because I am now aware of the power struggles underlying the social positions.  It is important to acknowledge these power struggles in order to minimize misunderstanding and miscommunication.  Being aware should help to diminish the power differentials that lead to unequal social positions.

References:

Kunsmann, Peter. “Gender, Status and Power in Discourse Behavior of Men and Women”. Linquistik. 5, 1/100. ISSN 1615-3014. Accessed Feb. 23, 2012. www.linguistik-online.de

Lunday, Amy. “Study: Multiracial groups and social position, segregation in America”. The Johns Hopkins University Gazette. Dec. 19, 2011. Accessed Feb. 23, 2012. gazette.jhu.edu/2011/12/19/

Martin, Judith N. and Nakayama, Thomas K. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts.  5^th Edition. McGraw-Hill.