Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

generally inflamed by this rhetoric don’t take the time to distinguish among people they label as “other.”
It is important to note that many words do not imply any type of sexual or racial connotations.
However, some people might use it to make judgments or expectations of others. For example, when
describing a bad learning experience, the student might say “Black professor” or “female student” as
opposed to just saying the student and professor argued. These descriptors can be problematic and
sometimes not even necessary in the conversation. When using those types of words, it can create slight
factors of sexism/racism.
Muted Group Theory
Muted group theory was initially developed to
explain the way humans, specifically men and
women, communicate. 20 The theory claims
that man-made communication is, just that,
“man”-made. Similar to standpoint theory,
muted group theory argues that the dominant
members of society, typically men, create a
language and system of communication that
subverts or reduces other groups, specifically
women. Muted group theory has been described
as feminist theory, and even this nomenclature
is a great example of the claims that the theory is
making. 21 The term “feminist” exists in a maledominated
culture and language and connotes
a negative conception of that which it is used
to describe. Even the fact that there is not a
popular term used to describe those who fight
for the rights and equal status of men, points
to the fact that there is a problem. The word
“feminist” exists because it deviates from what
is perceived as the “norm.” Even the terminology
Dominant
Group
Figure 4.6 Muted Group Theory
Muted
Group
we use to describe women, and a theory that calls attention to their subversion, we see as even more
subversion.
Figure 4.6 represents the basic conceptualization of muted group theory. The blue circle represents
the dominant group, and the solid arrow points to their perception of reality. Meanwhile, the pink
circle represents the muted group, and the dashed line represents their perception of reality. Often
what happens in society is that the dominant group’s perception of reality is just seen as reality. As such,
the muted group’s perception of reality is seen as less than or more fanciful than the dominant group’s
perception. In reality, the muted group often sees things that really do exist in a society that the dominant
group either cannot see or chooses not to see based on its position in society as the dominant group.
One area in our society where we can examine muted group theory is about socioeconomic status.
Here are just a few statements that wealthy people have made:
• When talking about a couple planning their wedding, “I feel sorry for them, because they have
a budget.”
• “What do you mean, you don’t know if you should get them? Whenever I want new clothes, I
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Interpersonal Communication