Final answer:
Men's and women's social networks differ in levels of intimacy, emotional support, and integration, reflecting broader societal norms and expectations. These differences are often reflected in communication styles and are cultural rather than biological. Such patterns vary across different ethnic groups and are influenced by societal values and legitimacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in social networks and friendship patterns between different ethnicities and genders reflect a broader social continuity. Generally, men's friendships involve less intimacy and emotional support, while women tend to have more integrated networks. Both sexes report similar levels of satisfaction and emotional backing from their social circles. These patterns can be traced back to various cultural and societal expectations and behaviors.
For example, in the United States, women are more likely to display homosocial feelings, such as hugging or handholding, while men may avoid these behaviors to not violate societal norms. Social expectations and legitimacy seem to play a significant role in shaping these friendship dynamics. Such differences in speech styles and communicative approaches are often grounded in cultural norms rather than biological differences.
Deborah Tannen's research further elucidates that American men and women belong to different communicative subcultures. Men use communication to assert status, whereas women use it to build social connections. This underlines how socialization and the very structures of social networks intersect with gender, race, and ethnicity to produce diverse experiences within social groups.