Talking about gender: The conversational construction of gender categories in academic discourse

Journal/Book: Discourse Society. 1998; 9: 6 Bonhill Street, London, England EC2A 4PU. Sage Publications Ltd. 217-240.

Abstract: The paper explores the nature of academic discourse, paying particular attention to the construction of gender categories within students conversations. A different approach to the investigation of the links between language and gender is taken to that adopted in previous research in the area. Rather than attempting to define gender differences in talk, or to characterize the interactional styles of men and women, or to explore how gender is 'done' in interaction, a discursive conversation analytic approach is taken in order to explore the ways in which participants themselves talk about gender. Small groups of three to four undergraduate and postgraduate students were video-recorded during seminar/tutorial sessions. The data were transcribed and analysed. How 'gender', as a societal category, is occasioned in the discussions is illustrated, along with the possible effects on the task execution.

Note: Article Stokoe EH, Univ Derby, Dept Psychol, Mickleover Campus, Western Rd, Derby DE3 5GX, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): academic discourse; conversation analysis; gender; CLASSROOM

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