Abstract
Gender-fair language (GFL) aims at reducing gender stereotyping and discrimination. Two principle strategies have been employed to make languages gender-fair and to treat women and men symmetrically: neutralization and feminization. Neutralization is achieved, for example, by replacing male-masculine forms (policeman) with gender-unmarked forms (police officer), whereas feminization relies on the use of feminine forms to make female referents visible (i.e., the applicantโฆ he or she instead of the applicantโฆ he). By integrating research on (1) language structures, (2) language policies, and (3) individual language behavior, we provide a critical review of how GFL contributes to the reduction of gender stereotyping and discrimination. Our review provides a basis for future research and for scientifically based policy-making.
Highlights
Reviewed by: Simona Mancini, Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, Spain Juan I
Neutralization is achieved, for example, by replacing male-masculine forms with genderunmarked forms, whereas feminization relies on the use of feminine forms to make female referents visible
Many countries have pledged themselves to an equal treatment of women and men, and the use of Gender-fair language (GFL) is widely recommended (Schweizerische Bundeskanzlei, 1996, revised in 2009; UNESCO, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English, 2002; European Commission, 2008; American Psychological Association, 2009)
Summary
Gender-fair language (GFL) aims at reducing gender stereotyping and discrimination. Two principle strategies have been employed to make languages gender-fair and to treat women and men symmetrically: neutralization and feminization. We review theoretical and empirical work on the role of GFL in sustaining or reducing gender stereotyping and social discrimination, as a follow-up on a comprehensive research program (the Marie Curie Initial Training Network - Language, Cognition, and Gender, ITN LCG, http://www.itn-lcg.psy.unibe.ch/content/index_eng.html). In this framework, we survey research on (1) language structures, (2) language policies, and (3) individual language behavior in order to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of GFL and to identify boundary conditions and obstacles for its implementation. This review will provide a useful basis for future research and for scientifically based policy-making
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