Muted Group Theory states that low-power groups exist in society and that members of these low-power groups must change their language when communicating publicly in order to not be overlooked. The book explains that in society women are often overlooked and subordinate in public conversation, especially when men are dominant and assume the role as gatekeepers of communication.

This theory reminds me of an episode from the TV series Mad Men, in which one of the main characters, Don Draper, gets a new secretary. When the secretary first comes to the office, she is naive and optimistic, however, she quickly realizes that she will need to change things about herself to do her job correctly in the eyes of the men of the office. The show is set in the 1960’s, thus corporate culture at the time was very sexist. Through the help of other secretaries, she learns that she must dress more promiscuously and needs to flirt with Mr. Draper and speak to him in a very subservient manner. As the Muted Group Theory illustrates, she has to change her language in order to be successful within the company.