Author(s)

Youqi Kong ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ College of International Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518061, China

Corresponding Author

Youqi Kong

ABSTRACT

Conflict, which is ubiquitous in social interactions, can either strengthen or undermine interpersonal relationships. This study explores the gender differences in conflict talk as depicted in the American sitcom—Modern Family. The findings indicate that male adolescents are more likely to engage in intense arguments. They tend to assert their viewpoints in same-sex conflict talk, with frequent use of insults, swearing, or even physical aggression. Adolescent females use more behavioral and linguistic strategies to mitigate the tension before it escalates into confrontations. On the other hand, contrary to the traditional belief that females tend to avoid conflict, the investigation of mixed-sex conflict talk reveals that they firmly defend their positions by aligning themselves with others and using directives or sarcasm. The study is expected to deepen the understanding of conflict regulation in peer interactions through the lens of gender disparities.

KEYWORDS

Gender, Conflict talk, Adolescents, Television Drama, Peer interactions

CITE THIS PAPER

Youqi Kong, Dialogues of Discord: Examining Gendered Conflict Talk among Adolescents in Television Drama. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2024) Vol. 7: 129-136. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2024.070121.

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