Dominance-mutedness theory
A concept proposed by cultural anthropologist Edwin Ardener and feminist scholar Shirley Ardener.
- The dominant group establishes a linguistic system tied to social norms.
- The subordinate group must learn the linguistic system established by the dominant group in order to communicate.
Muted groups are constrained in speaking because they must convey their beliefs in forms permitted by the dominant structure.
Vegetarianism or veganism
Vegetarians face the task of persuading others of the problems with eating meat within a culture that accepts it. Arguments against slaughter are regarded as sentimental, childish, or feminine, a method often used by dominant groups to silence criticism. They appear “feminine” because women’s voices, too, are muted by the same dominant structure (patriarchy).1
Footnotes
-
From Chapter 3 of The Sexual Politics of Meat.