ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 introduces students to the importance and prevalence of gender communication. It asks students to consider the impact of gender on their lives and explains that gendering is accomplished through communication. Key terms such as sex, gender, gendered communication, androgyny, sexism, and sexual orientation are defined and explained. Students are introduced to standpoint theory, and explore four principles of gendered communication: Gendered communication is dynamic, systemic, pervasive, and learned. The chapter also sets the tone for future chapters by acknowledging the need we all have to periodically revise and/or change communication paradigms, learn new ways of thinking about gender, and ask questions about our gendered future.
