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Avoiding Sexist Language and Other Language of Exclusion

While it could be argued that the word "man" is a generic term referring to men and women alike, this term is often misused in hurtful and exclusionary ways. Until we can say that Mother Teresa was a great man without calling up confusing, cross-gender images, then we cannot use the word "man" interchangeability with "human." Nor should we use "he" when there are other less exclusionary options available.

Some Notes on Gender-Neutral Language

Indefinite Third person: The Most Common Problem

Problem sentence -- Each student is required to do his own work.

Non-sexist but not grammatically correct -- Each student is required to do their own work.

Non-sexist and grammatically correct -- Students are required to do their own work.

2.  Eliminate male pronouns:

Problem sentence -- The average American wants his own house.

Corrected sentence -- The average American wants a house.

Simply changing every use of "he" to "he/she" is not the best solution. This technique is not non-sexist since the "he" is written first and is therefore stressed. This will also make the writing awkward and overly complicated.

Sexist Language and the Indefinite Third Person

General Rules

A biased phrase -- Man and wife

Parallel phrase -- Man and woman, or husband and wife

A biased phrase -- Mr. Hutt and Elaine Martin

Parallel phrase -- John Hutt and Elaine Martin or Mr. Hutt and Ms. Martin

2.  Refer to groups of people only by the titles or names by which they refer to themselves:

Poor example -- Indian

Better example -- Native American

Poor example -- Old people

Better example -- The elderly

3.  Understand what generalities mean:

Mexican, South American, and Latino DO NOT mean exactly the same thing.

A person of Jewish descent does not necessarily practice the Jewish faith.

Avoid the use of man when human beings or another term can be used.

Try to find better ways to say words or phrases which focus on `man,' such as man-handled, and man-made.

Consider carefully what group of people may be unintentionally excluded by what you say. "This step-stool is perfect for the whole family,'' tries to be inclusive but does not consider that a member of the family might be disabled.

	Inappropriate added description -- Mrs. James, who is Cuban, was just remarried this year.  (Why is Mrs. James' country of birth important to the context of the description?)
	Appropriate group identification -- Are women really uncomfortable with male gynecologists?