Men use “vocal fry” more than women, counter to stereotype

A recent study by Jeanne Brown from McGill University challenges the stereotype that vocal fry, a speech pattern characterized by a low, creaky voice, is predominantly used by young women. Brown’s research, presented at the Acoustical Society of America, reveals that vocal fry is actually more common in men, although it is perceived as more prominent in women. This perception may be socially constructed rather than based on how women actually sound. Vocal fry, often used by singers like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber, is associated with expressiveness in music. The trend gained attention in the 2010s, with studies suggesting women used it more frequently. This research invites a reevaluation of gender biases in speech patterns. QUESTION: Why do you think society tends to associate certain speech patterns with specific genders, and how might changing these perceptions impact communication?