The Difference Approach, Deborah Tannen

6. Conflict versus compromise

‘In trying to prevent fights,’ writes Professor Tannen ‘some women refuse to oppose the will of others openly. But sometimes it's far more effective for a woman to assert herself, even at the risk of conflict’.

This situation is easily observed in work-situations where a management decision seems unattractive - men will often resist it vocally, while women may appear to accede, but complain subsequently.

The male as norm

One of Deborah Tannen's most influential ideas is that of the male as norm. Such terms as ‘men’, ‘man’ and ‘mankind’ may imply this. The term for the species or people in general is the same as that for one sex only.