41 The interaction of gender and culture in the communication of emotion

Abstract

Communicating emotions is a transactional process that can be understood by examining the practices of the expressor and the practices of the receiver (e.g., emotion perception or understanding). Emotion expression, perception, and understanding vary as a function of gender and culture, and importantly, the interplay of gender and culture, as these emotional processes are bound to the norms and expectations within sociocultural contexts. Importantly, sociocultural beliefs and values about emotions are transmitted via socialization starting early in life, affecting one’s emotional behaviors over the life course. Therefore, we examine these constructs taking a developmental approach to the socialization of emotion through gender and culture norms that are shaped by parent-child interactions and other interpersonal interactions. We also discuss the ways in which emotion communication varies by gender and culture in online communication (e.g., emoticon usage, online groups), given the increasing importance and prevalence of these platforms. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research, both conceptually and methodologically.