Muted Group Theory

Muted group theory is a theory that is first proposed by Edwin Ardener, which talks about how certain groups in the society are muted where it either means not heard or silent. This theory explores mainly on gendered perspectives, and according to Em Griffin (2009) Cheris Kramarae maintains that language is literally a man-made construction, where she states how “language of a particular culture does not serve all its speakers equally for not all speakers contribute in an equal fashion…women are not as free or as able as men are to say what they wish, when and where they wish, because the world and the norms for their use have been formulate by the dominant group, men” (Griffin, 2009). This shows why muted group is an interesting theory to explain such divided world between men and women through their speeches.

Kramae initial concept, on this extension of the Ardener’s is to explore why most women are muted in every society and to find a way to free them away from having this idea that women are muted. Kramarae’s basic assumption on women is that they perceive the world differently from men because each gender’s experience and activities are rooted in the division of work (Griffin, 2009).

Media Text

The film 'The Iron Lady' is a great movie that shows the muteness of women in the world. Showing her struggle to get a seat in the House of Commons, and being in the members of her Cabinet, she was practically laughed at and her ideas to make the society a better place was highly criticised and laughed at by the obnoxious man in the cabinet. This movie clearly shows how the goal of changing the man-made linguistic system that oppresses women is shown through her journey of fighting through the battle of the sexist and to prove to the world that she could be as good or even better than all the men.

Reference.

Griffin, E. (2009) A first look at communication theory. (7^th ed.). Glencoe, IL: McGraw-Hill.