The Argument Culture

In 'The Argument Culture', Deborah Tannen explores how American public discourse—across media, politics, law, and education—has become dominated by a warlike, adversarial style that frames issues as battles between opposing sides.

She traces the roots of this 'argument culture' to educational and social patterns, including gender dynamics, and contrasts it with more constructive communication styles found in other cultures.

Tannen argues that this culture often damages the quality of information and relationships, and she advocates for moving from debate to dialogue to foster better understanding and problem-solving in both public and private life.