Language shapes our perception of the world, often in ways we don’t even notice. Hidden within our everyday speech are subtle gender biases that can reinforce stereotypes and affect how we think about men and women.
In this blog post, I’ll explore 12 surprising gender biases lurking in everyday language. Some of these biases might seem small or insignificant at first glance, but they add up to create a big impact on how society views gender roles.
Gendered Job Titles
Fireman, policeman, chairman – these titles assume men are the default for certain professions. This can make women in these roles feel excluded or less valued. Using gender-neutral terms like firefighter or police officer is more inclusive. It helps people imagine both men and women in these important jobs. Over time, this small change can shift perceptions about who belongs in different careers.
The Generic He
Using “he” to refer to any person, regardless of gender, is still common. This practice makes women invisible in language and reinforces males as the default. It can be confusing for listeners or readers to know if you mean a specific man or anyone. Using “they” as a singular pronoun or rephrasing sentences to avoid pronouns altogether is clearer and more inclusive for everyone.
Order of Paired Words
We often say “men and women” or “boys and girls” without thinking. This habit of putting the male term first subtly suggests that men are more important. Mixing up the order or using alphabetical order (girls and boys) can help balance things out. This small change reminds us that neither gender should always come first in our minds or our speech.
Gendered Insults
Many common insults are based on negative female stereotypes. Words like “sissy” or “pussy” imply that being feminine or woman-like is bad. On the flip side, telling someone to “man up” suggests that being tough or emotionless is the ideal. These insults hurt both men and women by reinforcing narrow ideas about how each gender should act. Finding creative ways to express frustration without relying on gendered language can help break this cycle.
Unnecessarily Gendered Terms
Words like “actress” or “authoress” suggest that the default for these professions is male. Adding the “-ess” ending makes it seem like women in these roles are exceptions or less important. Using gender-neutral terms like “actor” for everyone in that profession treats all genders equally. It also simplifies language by eliminating unnecessary distinctions based solely on gender.
Animal Pronouns
People often default to “it” for animals but switch to “he” for pets or powerful animals like lions. This habit reinforces the idea that males are the default for anything important or powerful. Being more thoughtful about animal pronouns, using “they” or alternating “he” and “she,” can help challenge this unconscious bias. It also encourages people to see animals as individuals rather than just objects.
Gendered Colors
Describing colors as “manly” or “girly” limits self-expression for everyone. These labels can make people feel ashamed for liking specific colors that don’t match their gender. Talking about colors in neutral terms, focusing on their qualities rather than gender associations, allows for more creativity and personal choice. This approach helps break down artificial barriers between “boy things” and “girl things.”
Relationship Terms
Words like “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” assume heterosexual relationships are the norm. This can make LGBTQ+ people feel excluded or invisible in everyday conversation. Using more inclusive terms like “partner” or “significant other” acknowledges diverse relationships. It creates a more welcoming environment for everyone to talk about their loved ones without feeling judged or out of place.
Gendered Personality Traits
Describing assertiveness as “aggressive” in women but “confident” in men shows hidden bias. These double standards in language affect how we perceive behavior based on gender. Being aware of these differences and choosing neutral words to describe personality traits helps create fairer judgments. It allows people to be themselves without worrying about fitting into narrow gender expectations.
Age-Related Terms
Calling adult women “girls” while referring to men as “men” infantilizes women. This language difference suggests women are less mature or capable than their male peers. Using parallel terms for adults of all genders, like “women and men” or “ladies and gentlemen,” shows equal respect. It acknowledges that all adults deserve to be treated as fully grown, capable individuals regardless of gender.
Professional Titles
The practice of using “Mr.” for men but “Miss” or “Mrs.” for women based on marital status is outdated. It puts unnecessary focus on women’s personal lives in professional settings. Using “Ms.” for all women, just as “Mr.” is used for all men, keeps the focus on professional roles. This small change helps create a more equal workplace where personal details don’t affect how seriously someone is taken.
Gendered Product Names
Many products are needlessly gendered, like “lady pens” or “man-sized tissues.” This marketing tactic reinforces stereotypes and can make people feel silly for buying the “wrong” product. Describing products by their features rather than assuming the gender of the user is more informative and inclusive. It allows people to choose based on their needs rather than feeling pressured by gender expectations
16 Eco-friendly Ways To Do A Gender Reveal
16 Eco-friendly Ways To Do A Gender Reveal
10 Political Issues Where Generational Divides Are Most Pronounced
10 Political Issues Where Generational Divides Are Most Pronounced
