In the TV show, What about Brian, it deals with a group of friends that are in their 30s. Brian and his friend, Dave, both work at the same company. However, this season, a new woman came onto the show, as CEO of the company where Brian and Dave work. Now when applying a theory to her position, how she’s treated, and how she interacts with her employees, both the standpoint and muted-group theories are reflected. The standpoint and muted-group theories have a focus on inequality in society.
The standpoint theory notes specific differences in communication between men and women. In turn, because of those differences, cultural expectations are created. Women in this culture are seen as weak and not capable of power, or leading others. In What about Brian, it is apparent the men have a problem with her being over them. The guys will trash her office, leave her sexual notes, and stare at her as she walks down the hallways. There is no respect shown for her, or her position at that company. The men obviously come from a different standpoint than the women in that office, because none of the women take part in any of those actions.
When comparing those actions to the muted-group theory, she is seen as a part of a powerless group, women. Women are not heard in society, and her perspectives are different than those men who work under her. When she does show her power, and takes command of a project, she is seen as stuck-up. This is exactly what the muted-group theory supports, because she is proving she can be powerful in business, she is seen as a snob. Brian and Dave even show shock sometimes, when she makes them feel inferior or not good enough for a job, just because she’s a woman.
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