A Study of Gendered-Communication in the Doctor-Patient Consultation Room

Abstract

Women and men have different communicative styles, both shaped by social conventions. Women, in particular, are systematically stereotyped and forced into using language that is prone to more error. This susceptibility is exacerbated by the fact that the healthcare system is not trained to recognize and engage with women’s communicative styles. Consequently, women may be experiencing disproportionate problems as they are not being understood or believed by their doctors.