Sexual Profanity and Interpersonal Judgement.
Robert O'neil
One of the cultural changes noted in American society last fifty years has been a noticeable increase public use sexual profanity, particularly by women. Many commentators attribute this change to revolution nineteen-sixties and seventies, as well increasing emancipation women from traditional gender roles. This dissertation examines ideological foundations that have shaped both western attitudes nature modern question whether these are indicative greater equity. Using dramaturgical approach identity, an alternative interpretation is presented defines reaffirmation devaluation The following presentation weaves together threads language gender, symbolism its relationship norms, our concepts deviance. implications for identity behavior, how changed together, provide insights on relations challenge existing literature equates widespread profanity indicator status society. To test degree which values regarding gender-appropriate behavior still exist society, empirical analysis undergraduate students' reactions users presented. Written vignettes were used assess student ratings items interpersonal judgement involving measures perceived sociability, potency, activity, attractiveness. Manipulations included presence or absence actors, blue collar white workplace settings. MANOVA results found significant differences respondents' depending actor was male female, swore. There also between provided respondents female respondents. indicated not only considered deviant, but attached swearing differs significantly men If there connection with argued below, then conclusions warranted indicate women's gains can be very uneven at best.