Language and gender

Gender: social construct giving insights into the structure and organisation of social life; linked to biology (sex) but incorporates cognitive, societal, cultural and psychological qualities that varies from society to society Changes in language to be more progressive: (Cameron, 1995) “Subversive innovation may take various forms, but the most popular is probably verbal hygiene” – an attempt to cleanse the language and divest it of its salient negative connotations - May it hinder effective communication instead? In 2021, Australia National University (ANU) urged staff to use “parent-inclusive language” in accordance with ANU's Gender Inclusive Handbook that offers recommendations to uplift female and gender minority students. The recommendations include, using the term “chestfeeding” instead of “breastfeeding”, “gestational/birthing parent” instead of “mother”, and likewise “non-gestational/non-birthing parent” instead of “father”. This decision by ANU was met with contention when the senate voted to ban the “distorted” gender-neutral language, they argue that while the government “supports the right of individuals to make use of any pronouns or descriptors they prefer… the government will use language in communications that is appropriate for the purpose of those communications and is respectful of its audiences”. Additionally, it was implied that this particular variation of gender-neutral language “dehumanises the human race and undermines gender” with reference to reported incidences of young children feeling stressed and panicked about whether it is okay to use the words boy and girl. The motion has since been passed, resulting in an uproar of anger and disappointment from some citizens who felt that the Senate motion denied the identity of transgender and non-binary people. Gender stereotypes – they reduce and simplify, tend to be directed at subordinate groups (ethnic minorities, women), and tend to be negative - Gender-specific linguistic stereotypes are deeply entrenched and help to establish and maintain rules of feminine and masculine behaviour even if those generalisations fail to reflect social or linguistic reality - Changes in social attitudes towards gender equality and gender roles will be reflected in how language represents gender - English has a huge variety of words for vocal, particularly verbally aggressive women which reflects the soci