Sexism and Language Caitlin Bridson-Pateman and Brianna Cheyne

Defining sexist language: “Words, phrases, and expressions that

unnecessarily differentiate between women and men or exclude, trivialize, or diminish either gender” (Parks & Roberton, 1998)

History Second Wave - Overt Third Wave - Covert

Overt Definition: Sexist language usage that

can be straightforwardly identified.- “Old-fashioned”- Clearly marks women as being inferior

to males

Overt Dictionaries Generic pronouns and nouns Surnames and titles Semantic derogation

Covert Definition: An indirect level of sexism

that enables someone to express sexism while also denying responsibility for it.

Humour Reinforces unequal power relations Attempts to make sexism ironic

Presuppostion To suppose or assume beforehand, take for

granted in advance

Conflicting Messages

Language Reform Damage the masculine has already

done on behaviour Change the sources, rather than the

symbols Equal rights = equal words Clear communication

Language Reform Strategies of Reform: - Critique

- Alternative Terms - Inflecting pejorative words positively- Answering back/wit

Retaliation Against Reform What should be changed/why should

there be change? Eliminating masculine? Losing all sex-specific terms?

What Can Be Done? Research Action Clarity