Researchers Brinson and Winn use the theory of sex-role socialization to analyze arguments on 10 daily syndicated talk shows. The arguments most commonly occurred between men and women. Sex-role socialization suggests that men and women use different interpersonal conflict behaviors based on the implications of femininity and masculinity. This notion implies that in arguments, women are more submissive, tend to withdraw, and are not verbally aggressive. Men, however, are dominant, do not withdraw and are verbally aggressive. After analyzing the content of the arguments presented on these shows, researchers Brinson and Winn concluded that the theory of sex-role socialization does not apply to talk shows because of the nature of the shows. They found that women were more likely to dominate the argument, neither party would withdraw, physical contact was unlikely, and there was hardly ever a resolution to the conflict. Brinson and Winn attribute this behavior to the participants being filmed. The cameras, the people watching, and the host all impact participants’ behaviors, and therefore conflict styles are self-monitored. This suggests that talk shows do not accurately portray interpersonal conflict.
Brinson, S. L., & Winn, J. (1997). Talk shows' representations of interpersonal conflicts. Journal Of Broadcasting & Electronic Media,
41(1), 25.
From a popular talk show, Dr. Phil, the clip below exemplifies some of the things Brinson and Winn found. The wife is dominating the argument while the husband is submissive and agreeable. These traits do not agree with sex-role socialization and can be attributed to self-monitoring. Internalizing conflict strategies from talk shows and emulating them in your personal life may not be beneficial or productive. It is imperative to view these conflict strategies from a knowledgeable vantage point.
Brinson, S. L., & Winn, J. (1997). Talk shows' representations of interpersonal conflicts. Journal Of Broadcasting & Electronic Media,
41(1), 25.
From a popular talk show, Dr. Phil, the clip below exemplifies some of the things Brinson and Winn found. The wife is dominating the argument while the husband is submissive and agreeable. These traits do not agree with sex-role socialization and can be attributed to self-monitoring. Internalizing conflict strategies from talk shows and emulating them in your personal life may not be beneficial or productive. It is imperative to view these conflict strategies from a knowledgeable vantage point.