Dominance Theory - men are more likely to interrupt than women. In 1975 a study was conducted, all subjects were white, middle class and under 35. In 11 men-women conversations, men used 46 interruptions, women 2. Sample has been considered unrepresentative (one loud man could ruin it). Since men interrupt more, they are dominating or attempting to be.
Beattie (1982) - Male Interruptions
Argues with Zimmerman and West's Theory. Said that one loud man could ruin their investigation, and said Why do interruptions necessarily reflect dominance? Can interruptions not arise from other sources? Do some interruptions not reflect interest and involvement?
Says that men interrupt often to try and show interest and involvement, not an assertion of dominance, which would result in the opposite effect - men are being submissive and letting others talk, and encouraging them to do so.
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