Gender-Linked Differences in Informal Argument: Analyzing Arguments in an Online Newspaper

Abstract

This study examines gender-linked differences in features of informal argument. Using “feminine style” (Campbell, 1973, 1989) as its theoretical framework, it analyzes aspects of arguments that appeared in a debate section of an online Japanese newspaper. Of the 335 arguments, 172 were constructed by men and 163 by women on four different topics. The results provide evidence to support the hypotheses offered: (a) women are more likely than men to use inductive macro structure, while men are more likely than women to use deductive macro structure in their arguments, and (b) women are more likely than men to use personal statements in their arguments. The results also suggest qualifications and clarifications to the specifics of the feminine style theory by answering the two research questions offered. The two questions concern: (a) the types of macro structures to be considered, and (b) the specific ways in which personal statements are used in arguments. The findings are discussed, which leads to suggestions for future research.

Keywords:

• informal argument
• gender-linked differences
• feminine style