GENDER BIAS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: PART II
As a sequel to the podcast published last week, GENDER BIAS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: PART II will be introduced in today’s podcast
GENERIC MASCULINE PRONOUNS:
Biased Language: Every student should bring his textbook to class.
Inclusive Language: Every student should bring their textbook to class.
GENDERED JOB TITLES:
Biased Language: Chairman of the committee
Inclusive Language: Chair of the committee or Committee chair
DIMINUTIVES FOR PROFESSIONS:
Biased Language: Stewardess
Inclusive Language: Flight attendant
GENDERED ADJECTIVES:
Biased Language: She's too emotional for a leader.
Inclusive Language: She has strong leadership qualities.
STEREOTYPICAL PHRASES:
Biased Language: Man up
Inclusive Language: Be courageous or Stay strong
OCCUPATIONAL GENDER ASSUMPTIONS:
Biased Language: He's a male nurse.
Inclusive Language: He's a nurse, She is a nurse
BIASED TITLES IN PROFESSIONS:
Biased Language: Lady doctor or Lady lawyer
Inclusive Language: Doctor or Lawyer
ASSUMPTIONS IN FAMILY ROLES:
Biased Language: The father is babysitting his children.
Inclusive Language: The father is taking care of his children.
STEREOTYPES IN ADVERTISEMENTS:
Biased Language: Housewife uses this detergent.
Inclusive Language: This detergent is effective for all households.
INEQUITABLE TERMS FOR SIMILAR ACTIONS:
Biased Language: He's assertive, while she's bossy.
Inclusive Language: He's assertive and she's assertive.
These examples demonstrate how language choices can inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and contribute to biased perceptions. Efforts to adopt more inclusive language aim to challenge these stereotypes and promote equality by using words and phrases that do not marginalize or diminish individuals based on their gender.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES:
These examples illustrate how simple adjustments in language can contribute to a more inclusive and gender-neutral communication style. Adopting gender-neutral terms helps to promote equality and avoid reinforcing traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
AVOID (Gender-Biased) USE (Gender-Neutral)
1. Chairman Chair or Chairperson
2. Policeman Police officer
3. Fireman Firefighter
4. Waitress Server or Waitstaff
5. Businessman Businessperson or Entrepreneur
6. Spokesman Spokesperson
7. Mailman Mail carrier
8. Salesman Salesperson
9. Mankind Humanity or Humankind
10. husband and wife Spouses or Partners
11. one-man show solo performance
12. craftsman craftsperson
13. fisherman fisher
14. handyman repairer
15. layman layperson
16. milkman milk supplier
17. man-made artificial, synthetic, fabricated
18. manpower workforce, human resources
19. man-hours work hours, project hours
20. manning managing, looking after
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF GENDER-BIASED LANGUAGE IN JOB TITLES AND THEIR GENDER-NEUTRAL ALTERNATIVES:
These examples demonstrate how language can be adjusted to eliminate gender bias in job titles and positions. Using gender-neutral terms promotes inclusivity and ensures that individuals of any gender feel recognized and valued in various roles and professions.
Gender-Biased Language Gender-Free Words
1. housewife homemaker
2. air hostess flight attendant
3. actress actor or Performer
4. authoress author
5. lady doctor doctor
6. career girl professional
