Final answer:
Differences in the goals of hanging out between women and men can be attributed to social and cultural expectations, with women tending towards creating social connections and men aiming to assert social status. Expressions of homosocial feelings and linguistic patterns also differ, influenced by gendered socialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of "hanging out" may differ between women and men due to the varying social and cultural expectations they face. While it's crucial to note that these can be generalized observations and not applicable to all individuals, certain trends have been observed. For example, women might seek to build solidarity and foster social connections, expressing homosocial feelings through physical closeness and cooperation without sexual connotations. These expressions are more fluid and include behaviors such as hugging and handholding. On the other hand, men may hang out with the motive of asserting their status within social hierarchies, often refraining from overt physical expressions of friendship due to cultural norms that may see such behavior as violating masculinity expectations. The research of Janet Hyde and Deborah Tannen provides insight into these behavioral tendencies, suggesting that while biological differences exist, the social aspects and communication styles of men and women can contribute significantly to their distinct ways of interacting. Differences in linguistic subcultures and patterns of speech also play a role, though some differences such as chattiness or deference are minimal or non-existent according to Hyde's findings.