Theories

• Maltz and Borker 1982 - observe how young children interact. BOYS games have winners and losers (hirearchal systems with leaders) and boast of skill. GIRLS have small groups or pairs and make suggestions not orders, there is no direct challenge, they have best friends and would rather be liked than leader
• Zimmerman and West


  Men dominate conversations through interruptions, suggesting dominance and power imbalance
• Fishman


  Women's questioning is a strategy for engagement, not a sign of weakness
• Beattie


  Women interrupt as frequently as men, challenging dominance theories
• Coates


  Men's conversations often consist of lengthy monologues, leading to misinterpretation of women's contributions
• Talbot


  Illustrates frustration men may feel with women's interjections