Dominance-
Dominance is an approach whereby the female sex is seen as a subordinate group who's difference is styles of speech results from male supremacy and also possibly an effect of patriarchy. Zimmerman and West (1987) are key Dominance theorists.
Deficit-
Deficit is an approach that defines adult male language as standard, and women's language as deficient. Robin Lakoff (1975) is a key deficit theorist.
Difference-
Difference is an approach of equality, differentiating men and women as belonging to different 'sub cultures' as they have been socialised to do since childhood. Deborah Tannen (1989) is a key difference theorist. Tannen said, "There are gender differences in ways of speaking, and we need to identify and understand them."
