Gender-neutral Language Research Articles (Page 1)

Gendered media representation of women athletes has received increasing scholarly attention. However, limited research has been done in non-English-speaking contexts. This study investigates the media reports on women soccer athletes in Spanish media during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, focusing on soccer, the most important sports worldwide, and Spain, the second-largest soccer market. Utilising Goffman’s framing theory and the corpus analysis method, we reveal the underrepresentation of women athletes compared to their men counterparts in the frame building stage, as well as gender marking, covert gender stereotypes and more negative attitude towards women athletes in the frame setting stage. This study highlights unconscious biases in the framing of women’s soccer, emphasising the necessity for media organisations to adopt gender-neutral language and for sport organisations to engage in resource sharing with news agencies. Drawing on the Spanish context, it contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in sport and underscores the role of media in shaping public perceptions. It also advances corpus linguistics research in sport management and emphasises the need for further studies across diverse sporting contexts to develop a more comprehensive understanding.

As an institutional or symbolic change, gender-neutral language (GNL) frequently has been discussed, although its psychological impacts have not been thoroughly researched. This experimental study is informed by the framing theory, stereotype threat, social identity theory, and expectancy-value theory in testing the hypothesis that gender-neutral and gendered institutional text exposures, using the framing theory, effect perceptions of fairness, belonging, and aspirational intent. In a between subjects research design (N = 200), the subjects viewed either gendered or gender-neutral passages of scholarship and policy and took self-report measures and an implicit association test. GNL augmented perceived fairness and belonging and augmentation of intent to apply; greatest impacts were in women and non-binary participants. These findings demonstrate that inclusive language is a cognitive intervention that directs inspirational avenues to opportunity. Direct implications of the findings in the case of educators and policymakers: the small, inexpensive amendments made to institutional texts can positively influence the perceptions of the accessibility and reinforce the engagement of underrepresented population.

Gender dysphoria is linked to various psychosocial challenges in adolescence, underscoring the need to identify and support youth experiencing gender-related distress. Although gender identity exists on a spectrum beyond the binary, no validated tool currently exists in Turkey that uses inclusive, gender-neutral language to assess it in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish adaptation of the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS) among clinical- and community-based adolescents. A total of 240 participants aged 12-23 years were included. The validity of UGDS-GS was assessed through content validity and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A sociodemographic data form, UGDS, UGDS-GS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) were utilised. Findings demonstrated strong content validity, with a content validity Index of 0.69, and robust construct validity, indicated by a comparative fit index of 0.993 and a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.071 following the exclusion of three items. UGDS-GS effectively differentiated scores across demographic groups, showing significant variances based on assigned gender and age. The scale also exhibited excellent criterion validity, evidenced by an area under the curve of 0.947 in receiver operating characteristic analysis, with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (95.9%) at an optimal cut-off value of 42.50. With a Cronbach's alpha of 0.935, UGDS-GS demonstrated strong internal consistency and substantial test-receiver operating characteristic retest reliability (ICC 0.884), alongside notable but weak correlations with several RSES subscales and low to moderate correlations with YSR scores. These results affirm that tUGDS-GS is valuable and reliable in assessing gender dysphoria in Turkish adolescents. Further research is warranted to improve applicability in diverse contexts and populations.

ABSTRACT Although almost half of India’s female population watches sports, their experiences are concealed by traditional masculinity, leading to exclusion and harassment. To explore these experiences in-depth, this qualitative study aims to understand what coping strategies Indian Female Sports Fans (IFSFs) employ to sustain their team identification. Utilising criterion sampling, participants were screened using the Sports Spectators Identification Scale to assess team identification and a Brief Sexism Questionnaire to confirm participants’ experience with sexism. The participants were Indian women who followed any sport and were not professionals in the sports industry. Ten highly identified fans with gendered experiences were recruited for semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to understand IFSF’s lived-in experiences, revealing superordinate themes of (1) Ontogenesis and Enduring Identification, (2) Gendered Experiences and Sexism, (3) Identity, Agency, Resistance, and Resilience, (4) Advocacy for Equality and Inclusivity. The findings reflect that IFSFs experience exclusion, harassment, and objectification in both online and offline fandoms, where they are targeted with death/rape threats, and attraction-based assumptions, questioning their authenticity as fans. To navigate this sexism, they use knowledge assertion, selective silence, and relational coping to claim space in male-dominated fandoms. In doing so, they actively redefine these marginal spaces as sites of empowerment where femininity and sports can coexist. A critical implication of this research is enabling sports organisations to develop inclusive fan engagement policies that actively encourage female fan participation, such as sensitising stadium staff, promoting gender-neutral language, and establishing an environment where sports transcend gender.

In an environment where LGBTQIA+ people in sports has become a politically charged topic, how can public administration support all people who want to play sports? Based on a survey of over 1,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals on the use of nonprofit services in the United States, this mixed-methods article explores the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people who play sports through a social equity lens. In our study, we find that those who identify as transgender are less likely to play in sports clubs than cisgendered individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. In qualitative responses, themes of inclusion and respect were discussed, as well as the importance of gender-neutral language and spaces to help support all people. Through this analysis, we discuss recommendations and implications for sports clubs to create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all people.

This study examines gender representation in Greek secondary school ICT textbooks, focusing on the extent to which these materials reinforce or challenge gender stereotypes. Using qualitative content analysis, the study systematically analysed six textbooks used in Gymnasium and Lyceum education in Greece. The analysis explored linguistic patterns, illustrations, references to professions, and the portrayal of notable individuals to identify instances of gender bias. The findings indicate a persistent prevalence of gender stereotypes across most textbooks, with male dominance evident in language use and visual representations, while female figures are underrepresented or depicted in traditional roles. Notably, the Gymnasium textbook demonstrated more gender-neutral language but continued to perpetuate stereotypes through imagery and the selection of figures presented. These results underscore the critical role of educational materials in shaping perceptions of gender roles and highlight the need for targeted reforms to develop textbooks that promote gender equality within ICT education. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering inclusive educational environments that empower all students to engage confidently with digital technologies, free from limiting gender-based preconceptions.

This study was conducted to examine the preparedness of primary school choral teachers in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province; to investigate systemic barriers to inclusive choral instruction; and to propose instructional strategies aligned with gender diversity. A quantitative research design was employed, in which data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 105 music teachers across 50 public and private schools in Zhonglou District. The instrument was designed to address demographic characteristics, teaching practices, training experiences, and challenges specific to inclusive choral education. Content validity was established through expert review (Index of Item-Objective Congruence = 0.95), and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and thematic content analysis. The findings indicated that although many teachers expressed openness to gender-inclusive practices, actual implementation was hindered by insufficient training, limited institutional support, and cultural resistance, particularly in public schools. Private schools were found to exhibit greater flexibility and responsiveness, which were attributed to increased administrative autonomy and less bureaucratic constraint. While inclusive strategies such as repertoire adaptation, the use of gender-neutral language, and mixed-voice arrangements were reported, a clear disconnect was identified between national-level policy recommendations and classroom-level execution. Based on the results, it was suggested that integrated efforts be undertaken to embed gender diversity into pre-service and in-service teacher training, revise national music education standards to reflect inclusive values, and foster supportive school environments through collaborative leadership and policy engagement. These measures are regarded as essential to advancing gender-inclusive choral pedagogy in Chinese primary schools. The study’s contributions are intended to inform educational policymakers, curriculum developers, and teacher educators, and to support the ongoing transformation of music education toward a more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive practice.

PurposeThis paper examines the effects of gender-neutral language on consumer attitudes and engagement, focusing on its implications in a linguistically gendered context (French). The aim is to identify the conditions under which gender-neutral language can positively influence brand perception and consumer behaviour.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies were conducted with a total of 809 participants, using experimental designs to test several types of gendered and gender-neutral language. The research included a between-subjects design, with conditions varying by type of language and the presence or absence of explanations for its use. Data were analysed using ANOVA and regression analyses.FindingsThe findings reveal that men are generally indifferent to gender-neutral language unless an explanation of this choice is provided, which can enhance their attitudes toward the brand. Women demonstrate higher engagement and purchase intention with gender-neutral language when no explanation is offered, except for those with high adherence to gender stereotypes, who are less favourable. The study underscores the significance of contextual explanations in mitigating resistance to gender-neutral language.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on explicit perceptions of neutrality, sexism and inclusivity, leaving implicit cognitive responses unexplored. Future research could adopt cross-cultural comparisons and incorporate more diverse gender identities for broader insights.Practical implicationsBrands should carefully consider their communication strategies when adopting gender-neutral language, emphasizing contextual explanations to enhance consumer acceptance and engagement.Social implicationsPromoting gender-neutral language in marketing can contribute to broader societal acceptance of inclusivity, potentially reducing gender biases embedded in language use.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to explore the intersection of gender-neutral language and consumer behaviour in a gendered language context. It highlights the nuanced role of adherence to gender stereotypes in shaping consumer responses and provides actionable insights for brands adopting inclusive language strategies.

German translation and linguistic validation of the HAND-Q.

Implications and Considerations of Sexual and Gender Identities in Dynamic Psychotherapies.

Gender representation plays a significant role in shaping social norms and perception, especially in education. The study examines whether gender is represented equally and how this representation aligns with the gender equality principles promoted by the Merdeka Curriculum. This study investigates gender representation in the English for Nusantara 7th-grade textbook, focusing on five dimensions: visual and textual gender visibility, topic dominance, occupational and leisure activities, and the use of gender-neutral language, based on Hamdan’s (2008) framework. The research found that the textbook offers a balanced gender representation in some aspects, while others still require improvement. Male characters were slightly more dominant in illustrations, while female characters led in topics and occupational mentions. The use of inclusive language was positively noted. The findings indicate a relatively balanced gender portrayal, yet subtle patterns of traditional bias remain. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on inclusive education and may guide curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers in improving the gender sensitivity of future textbooks and learning materials.

Introduction. The article is devoted to the problems related to the gender reform of the German language. Started on the wave of feminist movement of the 70s of the XX century, the transition to gender-neutral language in recent decades has become one of the most discussed topics in both socio-political and scientific circles in Germany, dividing politicians, lawyers, linguists and ordinary citizens into supporters and opponents of gender-neutral language.Methodology and sources. The article examines legal documents regulating the use of a gender-neutral language, highlights the opinions of participants in the discussion about gender correctness, based on the “myth of the invisible woman”, analyzes gender-oriented transformations used in German, and identifies problems related to gender-oriented language correction.Results and discussion. The starting point of linguistic distortions in the field of gender politics was the confusion of the concepts of grammatical gender (Genus), biological sex (Geschlecht) and gender (Gender/ soziales Geschlecht). The refusal of gender reform proponents to use the forms of generic masculine gender (generisches Maskulinum), which includes a wide range of meanings, and the introduction of gender-oriented transformations into the language provoked problems in the field of linguistic word usage, associated with both distortion of meaning and violation of grammatical norms of the German language.Conclusion. Gender reform has had a significant impact on various spheres of public life in Germany. The gender reform of the German language, dictated by the political agenda, has generated many linguistic and extra linguistic problems. The proposed artificial language changes aimed at achieving gender neutrality actually complicate communication and lead to a violation of the linguistic norms of the German language.

Gender identity and social impressions are greatly shaped by language, which also is crucial. Gender-neutral language's emergence seeks to support inclusivity and fit non-binary identities. This paper investigates society opinions, debates, and difficulties with gender-neutral terminology. It looks at how gender identity representation is shaped by language patterns and the elements causing acceptance or opposition. It also looks at how legislation and the media shape public perceptions and their contributions to either supporting or impeding language reform. This study examines scholarly literature, policy documents, and media reports using a library research approach. By means of case studies from many linguistic backgrounds, a qualitative study reveals recurrent themes in gender-neutral language acceptance and opposition, therefore evaluating the efficacy of media advocacy and policy implementation. Results show that even if younger generations are embracing gender-neutral language more and more, institutional and cultural barriers cause opposition. The paper emphasises how media helps to normalise inclusive language and the influence of government actions in either supporting or hindering their acceptance. The study finds that reconciling inclusivity with cultural traditions depends on collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, media, and language institutions.

The integration of gender neutrality into legislation has become a critical issue in contemporary legal reform, as societies worldwide increasingly recognize the need for equality and inclusion. Gender-neutral legislation seeks to eliminate gender biases embedded in legal texts, promoting fairness and equal treatment regardless of gender. This research explores the significance of gender neutrality in legislation, analyzing its potential to foster true equality or if it merely addresses a perceived necessity that remains inadequately implemented in legal practices. The study examines historical and current legal frameworks, where gendered language and practices have historically contributed to gender-based disparities. Through a critical analysis of existing laws, the research identifies how gender-specific terminology and legal structures continue to marginalize non-binary and transgender individuals while perpetuating traditional gender roles. Additionally, the research delves into how modern movements advocating for gender neutrality aim to challenge these established norms, offering examples of progressive reforms in various jurisdictions that have adopted gender-neutral language in laws related to marriage, inheritance, and employment. The paper further discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating gender-neutral language into legislation. While gender-neutral laws can improve inclusivity and promote equality, challenges exist in ensuring that these reforms translate into substantive social changes, particularly in deeply entrenched cultural contexts. Furthermore, the research assesses the legal, social, and political implications of gender-neutral legislation, questioning whether it represents a fundamental shift toward equality or an oversimplified approach to a more complex issue. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding of gender neutrality within legal systems, proposing that its successful implementation requires ongoing dialogue, societal awareness, and continuous evaluation of its impact on diverse populations. The conclusion calls for more robust efforts to ensure that gender-neutral laws do not merely reflect symbolic gestures but lead to real, transformative changes in society.

This paper explores the complex field of gender linguistics, concentrating on the issue of political correctness with regard to terminology. The terminology we use to define gender identities and expressions is changing dramatically in today’s conversation, reflecting societal understanding and sensitivity to a range of gender experiences. Political correctness, which emphasizes deferential communication and inclusive language that recognize the range of gender identities outside conventional binary definitions, forms the foundation for this change. This article’s goal is to critically examine the relationship between gender linguistics and political correctness, paying special attention to the language used in conversations on gender-related topics. It investigates the development of language around gender, emphasizing how considerate and polite language is used as a vehicle to promote acceptance and understanding. The study analyzes the impact of political correctness on gender linguistics through a terminological perspective, examining examples of gender-neutral vocabulary from media sources and the development of feminitives in English and Russian languages. Research methods include textual and comparative analysis, observational techniques, and descriptive approaches. The theoretical significance of the work: modern linguistics must research into the foundations of gender reflection in language, because language plays a significant role in the mechanisms of cultural representation of gender, which makes linguistics one of the most important scientific disciplines through which the process of knowledge of gender can be examined.The practical significance of this study extends to various areas of linguistic research and applications. One of its main contributions is the promotion of gender-neutral language in both spoken and written communication. As language evolves to reflect societal shifts, an understanding of gender-sensitive terminology and its proper usage becomes increasingly important in creating inclusive discourse.As awareness of gender diversity grows, this study can also guide the development of policies and educational resources aimed at enhancing the use of gender-neutral language in public and private communication, contributing to broader cultural changes toward equality and respect. The work’s scientific value stems from its examination of the complex interactions among gender linguistics, political correctness, and the specialized language used in gender discourse.

The portrayal of gender in teaching materials still mirrors deep-rooted stereotypes even with progress towards equality. The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report emphasizes that women and girls remain underrepresented in textbooks and are portrayed in stereotypical roles. These biases influence motivation, self-worth, career decisions and familial responsibilities impacting all genders. The article examines techniques for recognizing and assessing gender stereotypes and biases in textbooks and additional resources. It explores how gendered language and imagery reinforce stereotypes, addresses long-term impacts and provides guidelines for producing equitable content. Building on theories of gender and language, it highlights the significance of inclusive teaching resources to promote diverse notions. Suggestions involve the use of gender-neutral language, steering clear of job-related stereotypes and broadening character diversity. The paper seeks to educate teachers on methods for fostering gender equity in classrooms by analyzing course books and ensuring that learning resources promote empowerment and inclusivity.

The study of how social actors are portrayed in business communication is essential for understanding how companies promote diversity and inclusion both internally and to the public (Maier & Ravazzani, 2021). Social media can effectively communicate company values externally, boosting interactivity and openness (Vernuccio, 2014). This study examines how transportation companies construct representations of social actors to promote diversity and inclusion, using Transport for London’s (TfL) Instagram profile as a case study. Drawing on Van Leeuwen (2008) and Reisigl (2017), the analysis critically investigates how Transport for London (TfL) linguistically represents social actors on its Instagram profile, focusing on the discursive strategies used to promote diversity and inclusion. The findings show that TfL favours gender-neutral language and combines both generic and specific representations of social actors. It predominantly relies on individual narratives to address inclusion and diversity. This storytelling approach may reduce the distance between the audience and the content. The dataset also indicates that TfL uses educational posts with hedged language to advise passengers on respectful behaviour while using its services.

This study investigated the perceptions of institutional review board (IRB) professionals regarding the use of gender-neutral language in IRB guidance and informed consent documents, and whether respondents' IRBs incorporated gender-neutral language in those documents. A survey was disseminated to a diverse group of IRB professionals whose emails were generated from a list received from the Office for Human Research Protections. Responses indicated substantial endorsement of gender-neutral language, although actual usage remains limited. The findings suggest that while the willingness to adopt inclusive language is high, barriers such as resource limitations and a lack of regulatory guidelines often impede its broader application. This study underscores the importance of developing explicit guidelines and resources to facilitate the adoption of gender-neutral language, enhancing inclusivity in research settings.

Caring for the LGBTQIA+ Patient: A Best-Practices Primer on Language, Sexual Function Considerations, and Health Disparities in Gynecologic Care.

ABSTRACT Research addressing non-binary identities and experiences across the media landscape—including the representation of non-binary individuals, but also production and reception processes—remains limited. This article aims to reflect on studying non-binary issues across the media while addressing the central challenges inherent in this work. It begins by situating media studies within the broader context of research on non-binary identities and highlighting the place of non-binary issues within LGBTI/Queer and Trans Media Studies. The article then hones into two main challenges when studying non-binary issues: defining non-binary identities, on the one hand, and non-binary or gender-neutral language, on the other. Following this, a comprehensive review of the existing literature provides a current overview of the research that explicitly engages with non-binary identities in media. Concluding remarks synthesize the main aspects of the article, and outline avenues for future research, aimed at consolidating existing efforts, and fostering a sense of cohesion within the scholarly community researching mediated non-binary identities.