Group Lesson Summary

Overview of Gender Issues

by Maxine Chaplin, Jesika Giron and Alyssa Lotuaco

From the Experts- Technical Communicator’s Book of Knowledge

The two readings this week provided insight on the role gender plays in technical communication. The article written by Jo Allen addresses the topic of gender and its effects on professional communication. Allen's writing suggests that technical communicators have failed to study gender issues in their own profession for fear of appearing sexist. LaDuc takes a different approach and attempts to define gender, promote awareness, and examine the negative consequences of ignoring gender. Both narratives suggest that gender influences our interactions with others, and shapes/defines our cultural landscape. Technical communicators need to be cognitive of this fact, and consider gender as an audience variable.

Group Six indicated that the participation of women in business and technical fields has increased in recent years. This statement can be supported by studies conducted by the Toronto Chapter of the Society for Technical Communicators (STC), indicating that women are entering the field of technical communication in greater numbers than ever before (Edwards). Their research indicates that women are able to sustain careers in technical communication due to their ability to work effectively in teams, combined with their written and oral communication skills.

The rise of women in technical communication fields is promising. As mentioned earlier in this summary, as well as in the Group 6 presentation, technical communicators have failed to explore gender in their own profession for fear of being perceived as sexist. However, the rise of women technical communicators can possibly lead to an increased focus on this area.

Separate Documents For Successful Papers!!

The information below is a representation of key opinions from select members of our class as they address the following two questions from the conference section: Do you think separate documents would help writers produce more successful papers? Why or why not? If separate documents were produced, what effect would this have on society?

Yes and no. I think that separate documents would assist writers in producing more successful papers. However, it would much more time-consuming. To save face, time and energy (and maybe even money), a writer could always incorporate "gender-friendly" information into his/her document. That way, regardless of who gets their hands on the documentation, the text can be understood.

§      I think you had a great answer to the third question. I too think it would make targeting an audience much easier if we were to use gender specific documents; however, as you mentioned it is ridiculous to think that this could actually be done. It would waste time and money, so I think it is important for TCs to keep their writing as neutral as possible. Thanks for your response this week.

§      Proofreading process, it helps to have an extra set of eyes -- or two sets. Instead of having all females (or all males) review the document, it would make sense to have a male and a female review the document. That way, each gender type can give helpful hints and comments as to why the document works (or doesn't) for them.

§      I do not believe separate documents will produce successful papers. Most papers pull together subject matter experts, technical managers, and senior managers to collaborate on a document. The team is constructed with persons who are bringing their biases and their personal and work agendas to the meeting- either in a covert or overt way.

§      It is just matter of studying the audience and designing the paper that would fit to both genders.  We do it in our daily lives with everything else; there is no need of segregation.

§      I agree that preparing different documents is not the best solution to the gender gap for two reasons. First of all, because gender is only one factor, we can't publish documents for every different group; it is a very impractical solution. Secondly, while gender differences are real, they are not black and white with one gender viewing exactly one way and the other receiving exactly another way. The differences are better thought of as a continuum with individuals viewing a document in many different ways.

Gender Observations and Experiences from the Class

Our class has observed and experienced communication between men and women in a variety of environments (i.e. workplace, socially, academia, and relationships).  The table below highlights the class perspective about gender.

Knowledge Gained from Experiences and from Course Work

Technical communicators depend on people to determine how a message is conveyed. As a technical communicators, you determine if and how gender is important to an assignment by facilitating a group, participating in an organizational meeting, or interviewing your customer. The list below is the knowledge the class has gained from their experiences and from this course.

 §      Pay attention to a variety of learning styles to accommodate everyone regardless of gender and culture. If you incorporate visual, audio, and interactive features with straight text communication, you can reach a wider variety of people.

§      Be culturally sensitive.

§      For TC to be effective in the international community, they must have a understanding and respect for the cultural values countries have regarding gender, even if they are different than their own.

§      Technical communication educators can develop gender awareness in their students by promoting collaborative work assignments (similar to the ones in this course).  I think it helps to incorporate a variety of learning, writing and communication styles -- all off which are important in the professional environment.

§      Technical writers should be aware of gender differences and should be instructed to "first, do not offend."

§      Gender-neutral writing is the best way technical communicators can help their audience understand the material being covered.

§      A woman living within a male-dominated, oppressive country and/or religion will view communication through a much different filter than a woman living freely in the United States. If our audience is an international one, understanding and writing to differences such as this can result in greater effectiveness.

§      Address gender concerns when educating people about technical communication (Use a combination of learning styles)

§      Study and understand the different ways that men and women process information. …they will have the best chance of reaching their target audience.

§      Authors have tried to use gender natural vocabulary words to not offend anyone because of their gender.

§      Use role reversal techniques and increasing awareness.

§      Consider the audience, purpose, and appropriateness of content. What might be acceptable in the United States probably won't be acceptable in some Asian countries.