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Review
. 2016 Feb 2:7:25.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00025. eCollection 2016.

Can Gender-Fair Language Reduce Gender Stereotyping and Discrimination?

Sabine Sczesny  1 , Magda Formanowicz  1 , Franziska Moser  1
Affiliations
Review

Can Gender-Fair Language Reduce Gender Stereotyping and Discrimination?

Sabine Sczesny et al. Front Psychol. .

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 applicant… he or she instead of the applicant… 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.

Keywords: gender equality; gender stereotypes; gender-fair language; social change; social discrimination.

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