Language as a Reflection of Social & Cultural Norms: Gender Inclusive Language

Today’s blog post is inspired by changing social and cultural trends that exist today.  These trends are moving toward more inclusivity and equity among groups.  While that is a very broad statement this blog post will focus on one specific aspect of these changes, focusing on the evolution and development of gender inclusive language.  This blog post will discuss what gender inclusive language is, how it has developed over the past several decades, as well as provide tips for the reader to incorporate gender inclusive language into their lexicon (vocabulary).

 

Gender inclusive, or gender neutral, language is the process of communicating in a non-discriminatory manner, specific to sex and gender, that does not exclude or promote a specific sex or gender over another.  Gender inclusive language has existed throughout the English language for generations, but it is more recently and formally acknowledged with the formation and use of the singular “they” in the 17^th century.  Even more recently throughout the 1960s through 1980s individuals put forth various linguistic initiatives to promote the use of gender inclusive language, specifically in the creation and formation of the term “Ms.”, as a formal title to address women without giving away their age or relationship status, and “Mx.”, a term referring to transgender or gender fluid individuals that remains popularly used and formally recognized in the United Kingdom. 

 

The reason why gender inclusive language is encouraged is because language is a key element of culture, and as such it carries with it the values, beliefs, and cultural attitudes that dominate and influence ideas and perceptions of individuals and groups.  Language can and does unwittingly promote various stereotypes, often times reinforcing harmful and false ideas about groups of people that are self-actualized by those individuals.  By using gender inclusive language a more inclusive and equitable environment can be created and fostered, providing individuals more opportunities and freedoms to explore who and/or what they are and can be. 

 

Incorporating gender inclusive language into one’s everyday language can be challenging, particularly when one has been enculturated into speaking (and thinking) a specific way, but it is not impossible.  Through purposeful language choices, which requires self-awareness of what one is saying and the implications of the meaning of those word choices and statements, one can make decisive decisions in word choice and control the conscious and unconscious narratives and meanings of what they are saying.  The following are some general tips to being more gender inclusive in one’s communication practices:

1.  Ask what people’s preferred names and pronouns are: this provides individuals the opportunity to express themselves, while also acknowledging their chosen gender identity (whatever that gender identity may be).
2. Treat men and women the same:  This encourages the use of formal titles as appropriate, specifically for all individuals.  It is widely identified that women often are overlooked for their achievements, whereas men are not, when it comes to formal titles (e.g. all female professors or doctors are Miss or Mrs, whereas male professors and doctors are Dr.).  In this same vein use consistent terminology regardless of gender, meaning refer to all men as men and all women as women, not boys and women or men and girls. 
3. Use gender neutral terms: Instead of saying “you guys” say “folks” and instead of saying “mankind” say “humans” or “human kind”.  This acknowledges that all genders are capable of doing or accomplishing the same things or all present within the group.  Also, using gender neutral terms, such as spouse or partner versus wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend, protects individuals privacy, particularly in cases where sexuality can and is used against someone. 
4. Listen to those around you regarding their concerns about gender inclusive language and gender generally:  It is important to acknowledge and be aware of the social and cultural environment you are in when speaking, and it is also important to realize and recognize that language and cultural ideals change.  Therefore, it is vital to keep up with and be informed of people’s thoughts, opinions, and beliefs on this matter.  This does not mean that one should excuse or accept hate or bigotry if and when it comes up.  Instead this refers to understanding and nurturing a more inclusive, equitable, and safe environment for all individuals.

Works Cited

Inscoe, J. What Is Gender-Inclusive Language And and Why Does It Matter? 29 May 2020. Electronic. 17 July 2020.

The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Gender-Inclusive Language. 2020. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/gender-inclusive-language/. 17 July 2020.

United Nations. Gender-Inclusive Language. No Date. <https://www.un.org/en/gender-inclusive-language/>.