Abstract
Dominance-submission in interpersonal interaction typically has been conceptualized as largely a function of either highly stable characteristics of individual actors (e.g., basic termperament, genetic heritage, fixed social roles) or highly dynamic properties of situations (e.g., relational control sequences). Too, the dominance end of the continuum frequently has been infused with negative connotations. Here it is argued that a more balanced and comprehensive perspective is achieved by conceptualizing interpersonal dominance as influenced by a combination of person, situation, and relationship factors and as including positive qualities that also underwrite social competence. Experimental data relevant to this interactionist perspective were examined for the impacts of one traitlike actor variable (self-reported social skills), two situational factors (communication format and message goal), and one relationship factor (acquaintanceship) on dominance displays during dyadic interactions. Sender and receiver perceptions were also triangulated with observational data from trained coders. Results support an interactionist conceptualization of dominance.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 96-121 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Communication Monographs |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - Mar 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Dominance
- Family Studies
- Interpersonal Interaction
- Relational Conrol
- Social Skill
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Communication
Cite this
An interactionist perspective on dominance-submission : Interpersonal dominance as a dynamic, situationally contingent social skill. / Burgoon, Judee K; Dunbar, Norah E.
In: Communication Monographs, Vol. 67, No. 1, 03.2000, p. 96-121.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - An interactionist perspective on dominance-submission
T2 - Interpersonal dominance as a dynamic, situationally contingent social skill
AU - Burgoon, Judee K
AU - Dunbar, Norah E.
PY - 2000/3
Y1 - 2000/3
N2 - Dominance-submission in interpersonal interaction typically has been conceptualized as largely a function of either highly stable characteristics of individual actors (e.g., basic termperament, genetic heritage, fixed social roles) or highly dynamic properties of situations (e.g., relational control sequences). Too, the dominance end of the continuum frequently has been infused with negative connotations. Here it is argued that a more balanced and comprehensive perspective is achieved by conceptualizing interpersonal dominance as influenced by a combination of person, situation, and relationship factors and as including positive qualities that also underwrite social competence. Experimental data relevant to this interactionist perspective were examined for the impacts of one traitlike actor variable (self-reported social skills), two situational factors (communication format and message goal), and one relationship factor (acquaintanceship) on dominance displays during dyadic interactions. Sender and receiver perceptions were also triangulated with observational data from trained coders. Results support an interactionist conceptualization of dominance.
AB - Dominance-submission in interpersonal interaction typically has been conceptualized as largely a function of either highly stable characteristics of individual actors (e.g., basic termperament, genetic heritage, fixed social roles) or highly dynamic properties of situations (e.g., relational control sequences). Too, the dominance end of the continuum frequently has been infused with negative connotations. Here it is argued that a more balanced and comprehensive perspective is achieved by conceptualizing interpersonal dominance as influenced by a combination of person, situation, and relationship factors and as including positive qualities that also underwrite social competence. Experimental data relevant to this interactionist perspective were examined for the impacts of one traitlike actor variable (self-reported social skills), two situational factors (communication format and message goal), and one relationship factor (acquaintanceship) on dominance displays during dyadic interactions. Sender and receiver perceptions were also triangulated with observational data from trained coders. Results support an interactionist conceptualization of dominance.
KW - Dominance
KW - Family Studies
KW - Interpersonal Interaction
KW - Relational Conrol
KW - Social Skill
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0040364311&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0040364311&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0040364311
VL - 67
SP - 96
EP - 121
JO - Communication Monographs
JF - Communication Monographs
SN - 0363-7751
IS - 1
ER -