gender-neutral language

Examples of gender-neutral language in the following topics:

• Gender-Neutral Language

  • Gender neutrality in language minimizes assumptions about the gender or sex of people referred to in writing or speech.
  • Gender-neutral language is neither masculine nor feminine and avoids using gender specific pronouns such as "he" or "she." 
  • Proponents of gender-neutral language argue that gender-specific language (such as policeman or waitress) often implies male superiority or reflects an unequal state of society.
  • In some cases, laws exist to enforce the use of gender-neutral language in certain situations, such as job advertisements.
  • Different authorities have presented guidelines on when and how to use gender-neutral, or "non-sexist" language.

• Gender

  • Gender neutral language and gender inclusive language aims to eliminate (or neutralize) reference to gender in terms that describe people.
  • Gender-neutral language should not be confused with genderless language, which refers to languages without grammatical gender.
  • It has become common in academic and governmental settings to rely on gender neutral language to convey inclusion of all sexes or genders (gender inclusive language).
  • Various forms of gender neutral language are becoming more common, but the underlying gender roles are still evident in our society.
  • We still have generations of previously defined gender roles and associated language use to conquer.

• Gender Bias

  • Gender bias exists because of the social construction and language of gender itself; recognize it and try to avoid it when speaking.
  • Before we can start talking about gender bias, it's first helpful to understand the concept of gender.
  • Gender is the social construction of a person's sex.
  • At its heart, gender is learned by, defined and taught to us through language and communication.
  • Many times, female speakers have to adapt gendered mannerisms, language and stance of men in order to validate their authority as speaker.

• Gender Identity in Everyday Life

  • Gender identity is one's sense of one's own gender.
  • Gender identity is one's sense of being male, female, or a third gender.
  • Gender identity is not only about how one perceives one's own gender, but also about how one presents one's gender to the public.
  • Many public spaces and workplaces are instituting gender-neutral bathroom facilities.
  • Gender identities, and the malleability of the gender binary, vary across cultures.

• Development of Gender Identity

  • Gender identity is a person's subjective experience of their own gender; how it develops is a topic of much debate.
  • Gender identity is the extent to which one identifies with a particular gender; it is a person's individual sense and subjective experience of being a man, a woman, or another gender.
  • According to social-learning theory, children develop their gender identity through observing and imitating the gender-linked behaviors of others; they are then rewarded for imitating the behaviors of people of the same gender and punished for imitating the behaviors of another gender.
  • Another factor that has a significant role in the process of gender identity is language; while learning a language, children learn to separate masculine and feminine characteristics and unconsciously adjust their own behavior to these predetermined roles.
  • Apply social-learning theory and gender-schema theory to the context of gender identity development and the gender spectrum

• Using Impartial Language

  • Choosing unbiased language avoids offensive language and ensures that the message is effectively communicated.
  • Writers should write in a way that is free from gender and group stereotypes including race, age, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.
  • Here are a few examples that illustrate the use of unbiased language:
  • Gender language that could be considered sexist or stereotypical should be avoided.
  • Gender should only be specified if necessary for clarity.

• Anticipating Audience Reaction

  • If the writer anticipates a positive response, the language of the message can direct.
  • On the other hand, if the writer anticipates a neutral reaction to the message, it is necessary to use language that is more persuasive.
  • Another technique involves using bias-free language, which means the message should be free from gender, race, age, and disability bias.
  • The most effective messages use simple language and words that are precise, which prevents any miscommunication.
  • In business writing, it is important to communicate the message using impartial or unbiased language.

• Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

  • All pronouns must agree with their antecedent in number and gender.
  • In some situations, pronouns need to be gender specific.
  • Gender-neutral pronouns include you, they, their, theirs, we, us, our, ours, your, and yours.
  • In the case where the gender of the antecedent is unknown, the pronoun should be gender-neutral or avoided altogether. 
  • [By making the antecedent plural, you can use the gender-neutral plural pronoun their.]

• Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

  • To the French, banning head scarfs is important because it helps maintain a secular society and gender equality.
  • A key component of cultural relativism is the concept that nobody, not even researchers, comes from a neutral position.
  • The way to deal with our own assumptions is not to pretend that they don't exist but rather to acknowledge them, and then use the awareness that we are not neutral to inform our conclusions.
  • An example of cultural relativism might include slang words from specific languages (and even from particular dialects within a language).

• Gender

  • All of us can and do speak the language of multiple gender cultures, and we can use this knowledge to communicate effectively.
  • In other words, as a social construct, gender is learned, symbolic, and dynamic.
  • This pattern of gendered socialization continues throughout our lives.
  • All of us are capable of speaking, and do speak, the language of multiple gender cultures.
  • Differences in gender communication styles can sometimes lead to less effective communication.