Language that reflects and reproduces gender-based inequalities and stereotypes through the use of masculine or feminine speech patterns, pronouns, and titles.
Gender socialization: The process by which individuals learn and internalize societal expectations and norms related to gender.
Stereotypes and gender roles: The cultural beliefs and expectations surrounding masculinity and femininity and how these beliefs inform social interactions and communication.
Speech communities and language variation: The concept that different communities may use language differently, and that these differences may be related to gender.
Gender and language use: How language use may be influenced by gendered expectations and how these expectations vary across cultures and communities.
Gender and conversation style: How gender can impact the ways individuals approach and participate in conversations.
Nonverbal communication and gender: How nonverbal cues, such as body language and eye contact, may differ based on gender.
Power dynamics and gender: How gender can play a role in power dynamics within the workplace, politics, and other societal contexts.
Intergroup communication and gender: How gender may impact communication between members of different social and cultural groups.
LGBTQ+ communication: How communication within the LGBTQ+ community differs from communication within the broader society and the role of gender in these conversations.
Intersectionality: The idea that individuals may experience multiple social identities (e.g. race, gender, sexuality) that intersect and impact their communication practices and experiences.
Gender-specific words: These words are used to refer exclusively to males or females, such as "he" and "she" or "man" and "woman.".
Gender-neutral words: These words do not specify any gender and can be used to refer to both males and females, such as "they" or "person.".
Gender-inclusive language: This type of language is aimed at acknowledging and respecting all genders and identities, including non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Examples include using "Mx." instead of Mr. or Ms. and using "parent" instead of "mother" or "father.".
Gendered pronouns: Pronouns such as "he" and "she" are commonly used to refer to someone's gender. However, non-binary pronouns such as "they/them" or "ze/hir" are becoming more widely recognized and used.
Gendered titles: Titles like "Mr." and "Mrs." are gendered and assume a binary gender system. Alternative titles such as "Mx." do not make assumptions about gender.
Gendered expressions and idioms: Expressions and idioms such as "man up" or "throw like a girl" can reinforce gender stereotypes and biases.
Gendered professional titles: Some professional titles, such as "fireman" or "stewardess," are gendered and assume a binary gender system. Alternative titles such as "firefighter" or "flight attendant" are more inclusive.
Gendered clothing labels: Clothing labels such as "men's" and "women's" clothing assume a binary gender system. Gender-neutral labels such as "unisex" or "genderless" are becoming more popular.
Gendered language in children's books and media: Children's books and media have historically used gendered language and stereotypes, reinforcing gender norms and biases. More recent efforts have aimed to include more diverse and inclusive representations.
Gendered language in education: Language used in education can reinforce gender stereotypes and biases. Inclusive language and diverse representations in textbooks and learning materials can help to combat this.