Talking Gender in the Group

Abstract

Research into the relationship between language and gender challenges group psychotherapy to pay attention to the significance of gender in shaping the language used by members and conductors. Language is a major resource in the creation of our gendered sense of self, with styles stereotypically associated with male and female. The linguistic culture of the group has stereotypical `male' and `female' aspects. The language of the therapist is critical in establishing linguistic norms, challenging or reinforcing gender stereotypes. The movement from these stereotypical styles, with the ability to draw upon both `male' and `female' characteristics, is a therapeutic movement. The absence of critical analysis of these aspects of language and gender in group theory witnesses to the power of the `social unconscious'.