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Fiona Flynn

Dr. Mattson

COMM 301

April 16, 2018

Muted Group Theory

Understanding language is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. We are

taught from childhood the words, terms, and slang that will help us to carry conversation and

dialogue with others. Across the world, we find similar terms and definitions that are universal.

While the language is crucial in creating meaningful, lasting relationships, it is vital to know that

our dictionary is a man-made construct. Our language derives from the words of men, rather

than woman according to Cheris Kramarae. Kramarae is a professor at the University of Illinois

and has developed these ideas throughout her career. Through her years of study, she has

coined the term “Muted Group Theory”. This theory conveys that people who belong to this

muted group, particularly women, are marginalized in our society. They are “muted” in the

sense that they are not privy to the language that is used. It is noted that “women’s words are

discounted in our society, and women’s thoughts are devalued” (457, Griffin).

Women are on the sidelines of our everyday lives. Media has continuously portrayed

women as apologetic, indecisive, and weak in the language that is used to show their character

(pg. 457, Griffin). These attributes carry over to our real-life scenarios as well. Women

oftentimes find themselves put down in the public arena because of their inability to “blend in”

with the males in their personal lives, careers, or public spheres. However, as with many

theories, there are certain limitations that one can experience when applying this theory to
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their lives. Through textual analysis and case studies, I hope to show the benefits and

drawbacks when implementing this theory into everyday use. It is important to know the three

assumptions that Kramarae makes: the different experiences that result from division of labor

result in different understandings of the world, women have a more difficult time conveying

ideas because men dominate politically, and women must translate in order to participate fully

in dialogue and everyday life (26, European Journal)

One of the most critical limitations one can have with muted group theory would be the

assumption that all men are the same. The theory works to show how men have constructed a

society where women are at a disadvantage to men. It paints the picture that all men are using

certain language in order to devalue the conversations that women bring to the table. As a

woman, I can certainly say from experience that all men are not like this. I have come across

men who do not belittle my opinions or use terms and vocabulary to limit my ability to partake

in conversation. This concept is referred to as “essentialism” – that all men are essentially the

same (McGraw-Hill). We see this critique in other content such as “Standpoint Theory”, but it is

vital to know that we cannot categorize a whole group of individuals as being oppressive

because then we too begin to “mute” a group of people’s thoughts and opinions. This is one of

the widely critiqued aspects that scholars note when looking into Kramarae’s theory.

An additional critique that is widely discussed is the idea that this theory is outdated and

that women do actually speak in public forums and have a voice. Hilary Clinton is a go-to

example for critics of this theory. They state that women like Clinton do in fact have a platform

and are not “muted” in any sense. Supporters of muted group attribute women like Clinton’s

success to “translation” ( 26, European Journal). Translation is the notion that women must
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learn to speak the language of both men and women in order to successfully articulate their

ideas. These women have not actually risen above the idea of muted group, but instead have

found ways to adapt and please the majority. While this theory draws upon language heavily, I

also think it incorporates knowledge. Individuals who are a part of a muted group are aware

they are muted. They must learn from a young age how to have their voice heard. Women, for

example, are aware that language is dominated largely my men; therefore, men control the

perception of that group. If they wish to become a voice for other women, they practice

translation. Our book gives us a prime example of how women must translate in order to be

taken seriously in the workplace. A litigation attorney named Marsha gives an account of what

it is like working in a male dominated arena:

“I’ve learned to talk like a man. I consciously lower my voice, speak more slowly,

think bigger, and use sports analogies. I care about my appearance, but a woman

who is too attractive or too homely has a problem. A man can be drop-dead

gorgeous or ugly as sin and get along OK” (pg. 461, Griffin).

This example from Marsha shows the ways in which she must alter her language and

physical appearance in order to be accepted by the men around her. Again, knowledge is a key

part to the life of a woman, or any marginalized person, when having to navigate the tricky

ways of the world. Another example of this would be during the 2016 presidential debates.

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton went head to head during their on-stage debates. Many

critics were quick to take note of the shadow that Donald Trump took over Hillary Clinton.

While she refused to back down and portrayed a comfortable stance, she later revealed her

level of discomfort with the hovering, “lurking”, Trump. Clinton adjusted to the way that the
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male dominated political atmosphere usually runs. While we cannot categorize all men as

being the same, we also clearly cannot say this theory is outdated because as it shows some of

the most capable women, like Clinton, is still degraded and made to feel small next to men in

the political arena. The effect that the patriarchal language has upon women is everlasting and

continues to be an issue.

However, despite the critiques we can see how useful this theory can also be in our

everyday lives. It makes us aware of the workings of the world. Griffin’s analysis of Kramarae’s

theory helps us to understand just how often this concept takes place. We are able to see

where all of these instances can take place, and how to combat them. I think it valuable to

know that as humans, we all want to belong. We yearn for belonging and community amongst

others. Women are aware of the language that men use to single them out from conversation.

However, we also can see that this theory is useful for more than just women. It encompasses

all groups who feel marginalized by society. Individuals with disabilities, immigrants, homeless,

and any other group that feels suppressed can look to this theory for answers. It does not limit

itself strictly to women, but to all who are experiencing feelings of oppression.

In my own life, I have experienced instances where I felt a part of the “muted group”.

One in particular took place only a week ago on campus. I was sitting in the Bootsma Bookstore

Cafe when a male student approached me and we were discussing this exact paper. He asked

me to explain Muted Group Theory. While I had only just begun deeper research into this topic,

I gave a simplified idea of what this theory works to accomplish, assuming that would be

enough. As soon as I began to discuss the implications and working of the theory, he physically

put his hand up to stop me from talking. He told me how “not all men” are like that and that he
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does not believe that women are a marginalized group in these situations. Of course, I was

baffled but tried to explain myself. I felt attacked and began to stutter with my words because I

could not understand why he, a male, felt that he could tell me about my experiences as a

woman. After I explained that this theory shows how women are at a disadvantage in society

because language has been male-dominated, he dismissed the theory. He then led the

discussion to a completely different topic and asked about my “liberal views”. When he asked

about my stance on certain political ideas, he referred to them as “evil”. The student, a

theology major, then asked me if he could show me where in the Bible I was wrong. I felt that

this was a prime example of muted group. He felt that he had a more valuable, knowledgeable

stance than I did. This individual felt that he could not only use his own experience in place of

mine, but he also wanted to use the words and language of the Bible to show me I was wrong. I

felt the student was completely unaware of what the theory was trying to convey, but felt that

regardless of what I said it would not make a difference. I then chose to participate in

translation and simply say that I “understood” where his argument was coming from.

Muted Group Theory is an excellent tool in helping those who are on the margins of

society better understand why it is so difficult to rise above the patriarchal dominated world. It

provides us with a better understanding of who and how individuals are cast aside, as well as

includes multiple groups who are on the outskirts of society. The world is named by men, so

men therefore having the power in naming. As a woman, I feel as though I can fully validate

this theory as it pertains to my life and many other women I know personally. Of course, as

with many theories, there are points of critique that we must evaluate. Cheris Kramarae’s

theory of Muted Group disregards the fact that not men are all the same, and therefore do not
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use language that is suppressive to women. Some men recognize the constraints that are put

upon women, and we must not condemn an entire population because of the actions of others.

The goal of muted group theory is to draw attention to the unfair rules that society has placed.

It works to identify where our language is misconstrued and to instead work to invent new

ways to have inclusive language (63, Wood). As stated earlier, this theory makes three basic

assumptions: different experiences resulting from differences in division of labor create

different perceptions of the world, women have more difficulty conveying ideas because men

dominate the public domain, and women must learn to translate in order to have a more

fulfilling, meaningful experience. It is important that we recognize that not only are women

marginalized by the language that created by men, but also many other groups.
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Citations

West, Richard L., and Lynn H. Turner. Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and
Application. McGraw-Hill, 2004.

Critique: Celia J. Wall and Pat Gannon-Leary, “A Sentence Made by Men: Muted Group Theory
Revisited,” European Journal of Women’s Studies, Vol. 6, 1999, pp. 21–29.

Harris, Amanda K. "A Revolutionary View of Communication; Cheris Kramarae's Theory of

Muted Groups." Women & Language, vol. 22, no. 2, Fall99, p. 54. EBSCOhost,
libproxy.trnty.edu/login/?url=https://search-ebscohost-
com.libproxy.trnty.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=2825600.

Wood, Julia T. "Feminist Standpoint Theory and Muted Group Theory: Commonalities and
Divergences." Women & Language, vol. 28, no. 2, Fall2005, pp. 61-64. EBSCOhost,
libproxy.trnty.edu/login/?url=https://search-ebscohost-
com.libproxy.trnty.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=19610519.