Diversity and Power in Public Speaking Textbooks

Abstract

The frequency of gender and ethnic groups in positions of power represented in photographs in the top 10 public speaking textbooks were investigated. Men are pictured in power positions more often than are women. In photos displaying multiple ethnicities, with or without Caucasians, people of other ethnicities were more likely to be shown in positions of power than were Caucasians. This discrepant finding is particularly interesting in light of the consistent finding on gender.

Keywords:

• diversity
• ethnicity
• gender
• power
• public speaking textbooks

Notes

Kristen A. Gullicks, M.A., Iowa State University, 2000, is a Doctoral Student and Assistant Basic Course Director, Department of Communication, Judy C. Pearson, Ph.D., Indiana University, 1975, is Professor and Associate Dean, Jeffrey T. Child, B.S., Wayne State College, 2002, is a Doctoral Student and Assistant Basic Course Director, Department of Communication, and Colleen R. Schwab, B.S., North Dakota State University, 2003, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant, all at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristen A. Gullicks

Kristen A. Gullicks, M.A., Iowa State University, 2000, is a Doctoral Student and Assistant Basic Course Director, Department of Communication, Judy C. Pearson, Ph.D., Indiana University, 1975, is Professor and Associate Dean, Jeffrey T. Child, B.S., Wayne State College, 2002, is a Doctoral Student and Assistant Basic Course Director, Department of Communication, and Colleen R. Schwab, B.S., North Dakota State University, 2003, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant, all at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.