A gender prescription for nonverbal communication

However, these reactions can also reinforce cultural prescriptions for gender because they show that there are still expectations about how women and men should behave. If a woman violates a gender prescription for nonverbal communication, she may be judged or ridiculed. If a man violates a gender prescription for nonverbal communication, he may be seen as less masculine or competent.

It is important to remember that gender is a social construct. There is no right or wrong way to be a woman or a man. We should all be free to express ourselves in ways that feel authentic to us, regardless of what society expects of us.

I can discuss how violating gender prescriptions for nonverbal communication can be challenging and reinforcing of cultural prescriptions for gender.

For example, a woman who sits with her legs spread wide may be seen as unladylike or aggressive. A man who crosses his legs at the ankle may be seen as weak or indecisive. These reactions challenge cultural prescriptions for gender because they show that women and men can behave in ways that are not traditionally associated with their gender.