The Myths of Mars and Venus is a non-fiction book in which the Oxford professor Deborah Cameron examines the differences between male and female language and, most of all, she assesses already-existing theories which have resulted in the stereotypical assumptions about gender which we have today.
I really enjoyed this book because it gave such a wide range
of contexts in which misconceptions about male and female language might be
made; from the levels of individual authority within groups of guys and groups
of gals to the effect that the recent influx of female MPs has had on the
decorum of the House of Commons. And
within this Cameron analysed the opinions of existing theorists, such as the
well-know Robin Lakoff, as well giving her own slant on various ongoing
debates. What I enjoyed the most was
that she didn’t hold back in saying that some theories are unrealistic and even,
in some cases, they lack sufficient evidence to make their assumptions
justified.
My only complaint is that I felt that the book simply assessed
the opinions of others. In relation to
other theorists (like the aforementioned Lakoff) Cameron’s views were not that
controversial and lacked substance.
Overall, The Myths of Mars and Venus was a really
interesting read (especially if you’re a linguistic fanatic like me) and its
only let-down was that it lacked substantial personal opinion. Therefore...
Rating = 4 stars.
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