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genderinclusive language guide reducing bias in writing
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition
Page 91 Review
Navigating Gender-Inclusive Language: A Critical Analysis
This excerpt delves into the crucial topic of using gender-inclusive language, particularly within academic and professional writing.
It offers guidelines on avoiding bias and promoting inclusivity when referring to individuals and groups.
Avoiding Gendered Nouns and Titles
The text emphasizes the importance of precise and respectful language.
It cautions against using “male” and “female” as nouns, suggesting instead specific nouns for people of different ages:
“Use ‘male’ and ‘female’ as nouns only when the age range is broad or ambiguous or to identify a transgender person’s sex assignment at birth (e.g., ‘person assigned female at birth’ is correct, not ‘person assigned girl at birth’).
Otherwise, avoid using ‘male’ and ‘female’ as nouns and instead use the specific nouns for people of different ages (e.g., women) as described in Section 3.3.”
This approach prioritizes accuracy and avoids generalizations that can reinforce stereotypes.
The text also discourages the use of gendered endings in occupational titles, advocating for non-gendered alternatives:
“Avoid gendered endings such as ‘man’ in occupational titles (e.g., use ‘police officer’ instead of ‘policeman’), as these can be ambiguous and may imply incorrectly that all persons in the group self-identify as one gender.
Instead, use a nongendered term if possible (e.g., ‘homemaker’ instead of ‘housewife’.”
This is important for promoting inclusivity in the workplace and ensuring that individuals of all genders feel represented and respected.
Pronoun Usage: Specificity and Respect
The passage highlights the significance of using pronouns thoughtfully and respectfully, stating:
“Pronoun usage requires specificity and care on the author’s part.
Do not refer to the pronouns that transgender and gender-nonconforming people use as ‘preferred pronouns’ because this implies a choice about one’s gender.
Use the terms ‘identified pronouns,’ ‘self-identified pronouns,’ or ‘pronouns’ instead.”
This underscores the importance of recognizing that pronouns are an integral part of a person’s identity and not a matter of preference.
The excerpt also discusses the use of singular “they” and alternative pronouns:
“Some individuals use ‘they’ as a singular pronoun; some use alternative pronouns such as ‘ze,’ ‘xe,’ ‘hir,’ ‘per,’ ‘ve,’ ‘ey,’ and ‘hen’ (Swedish gender-neutral pronoun), among others.
Some individuals may alternate between ‘he’ and ‘she’ or between ‘he and/or she’ and ‘they,’ whereas others use no pronouns at all and use their name in place of pronouns.”
This acknowledges the diversity of gender identities and pronoun usage, urging writers to be mindful and accommodating.
The text continues:
“Refer to a transgender person using language appropriate to the person’s gender, regardless of sex assigned at birth—for example, use the pronouns ‘he,’ ‘him, and ‘his’ in reference to a transgender man who indicates use of these pronouns.”
This reinforces the importance of respecting a person’s self-identified gender and using appropriate language.
Addressing Generic Pronouns and Sexist Bias
The text addresses the issue of using generic pronouns and the potential for sexist bias:
“When referring to individuals whose identified pronouns are not known or when the gender of a generic or hypothetical person is irrelevant within the context, use the singular ‘they’ to avoid making assumptions about an individual’s gender.
Use the forms ‘they,’ ‘them,’ ‘theirs,’ and so forth.
Sexist bias can occur when pronouns are used carelessly, as when the pronoun ‘he’ is used to refer to all people, when a gendered pronoun is used exclusively to define roles by sex (e.g., ‘the nurse . . . she’), or when ‘he’ and ‘she’ are alternated as though these terms are generic.”
This is crucial for avoiding unintentional bias and ensuring that writing is inclusive of all genders.
It emphasizes that:
“Pronouns associated with a specific gender have been found to induce readers to think of YSQN39”
…an unintended consequence that further promotes gender bias.
Conclusion
Overall, this excerpt provides valuable guidance on using gender-inclusive language.
By avoiding gendered nouns and titles, using pronouns thoughtfully, and being mindful of potential biases, writers can create content that is respectful, accurate, and inclusive of all individuals.
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