GEE2-Module-6 Gender-fair-Language (1) PDF

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CHAPTER VI: Gender-Fair LanguageMODULE OVERVIEWMany gendered assumptions are present when it comes to language. Language defines men and women differently as seen in common adjectives associated with these genders. Unequal relations can stem from statements that trivialize one gender’s experience or...

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FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020 Study Guide in Gender and Society

Module No.6

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 6 CHAPTER VI: Gender-Fair Language MODULE OVERVIEW

Many gendered assumptions are present when it comes to language. Language defines men and women differently as seen in common adjectives associated with these genders. Unequal relations can stem from statements that trivialize one gender’s experience or perpetuate one gender’s supremacy. It evaluates gender, insomuch as language trivializes or devalues certain characteristics. MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the ways language discriminates against women; 2. State forms of discrimination in language; and 3. Explain how gender-fair language can be realized. LEARNING CONTENTS

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). Feminization relies on the use of feminine forms to make female referents visible. What is Sexism in Language? -It is the use of language which devalues members of one sex, almost invariably women, and thus fosters gender inequality. -It discriminates against women by rendering them invisible or trivializing them at the same time that it perpetuates notions of male supremacy. Why the Concern about Mere Words? 1. Language articulates consciousness. It not only orders out through but from infancy, we learn to use language to give utterance to our basic needs and feelings. 2. Language reflects culture. It encodes and transmits cultural meanings and values in our society. 3. Language affects socialization. Children learning a language absorb the cultural assumptions and biases underlying language use and see these as an index to their society’s values and attitudes. Social inequity reflected in language can thus powerfully affect a child’s later behavior and beliefs.

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FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020 Study Guide in Gender and Society

Module No.6

VIOLATIONS OF GENDER-FAIR LANGUAGE Sexist language is a tool that reinforces unequal gender relations through sex-role stereotypes, microaggressions, and sexual harassment. Language can be used to abuse, such as in the case of sexual harassment, or to perpetuate stereotypes. It can form subtle messages that reinforce unfair relations, such as how “men cannot take care of children” or “women cannot be engineers” which may impact how one views his or her capabilities. All in all, language is a powerful force that plays a significant role in how one perceives the world. Thelma Kintanar gave extensive examples of these violations in her book. The following are condensed versions and real-life examples of violations of gender-fair language. Invisibilization of Women The invisibilization of women is rooted in the assumption that men are dominant and are the norm of the fullness of humanity, and women do not exist. Some obvious examples of women invisibilization in language are: 1. The generic use of masculine pronouns or the use of masculine in general. 2. The assumption that certain functions or jobs are performed by men instead of both genders. 3. The use of male of job titles or terms ending in man to refer to functions that may be given to both genders. Trivialization of Women 1. Bringing attention to the gender of a person, if that person is a woman. (e.g. “girl athlete”, “lady guard”, “male nannies”, “male nurses”) 2. The perception of women as immature. (e.g. women being labeled as “darling”, “baby”) 3. The objectification or likening to objects, of women. (e.g. “honey”, “chick”) Fostering Unequal Gender Relations Language that lacks parallelism fosters unequal gender relations. The use of “man and wife” assumes that men are still men and women’s identities are subsumed and shifted into beings in relation to their husbands. Gender Polarization of Words in Use of Adjectives The personal care brand Dove recently came out with an advertisement that used parallel adjectives to show the difference in perception regarding men and women. Both men and women did the same activity, but were described differently. In the ad, men who took the lead were considered the “boss”, while women who had the same initiative were “bossy”. Men who worked overtime were seen as “providers”, while women who did the same were seen as “uncaring”. This polarization of adjective shows how perception does change how one sees certain acts, depending on who performs them. PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

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FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020 Study Guide in Gender and Society

Module No.6

TOWARDS A GENDER-FAIR LANGUAGE • Today, the use of gender-fair language in institutions of education and the removal of sexist language as imperative to gender responsiveness is currently being advocated. • Gender neutral language or pronouns are being used now • Gabriela women’s party national president and party-list representative, Liza Maza called for a ban of sexist language in all official communication and documents in the house of representatives LEARNING ACTIVITY Accomplish the following tasks individually. Afterwards, share your findings to the class and discuss. 1. Find texts which are supposed to be gender neutral. For instance, you can look for laws, religious texts, or even local textbooks. Examine these texts and mark specific parts that violate gender-fair language. After having identifies the discriminatory parts, provide gender-fair edits. Pick five samples which you can present in class. 2. Research the lyrics of your favorite rap song that speaks to or about women. How are women portrayed in this song? What words are used to describe men and women? What verbs are used to discuss them? If there is a music video, how are men and women portrayed? How would you write a more gender-fair version of this song? SUMMARY Language is used to define what is feminine, masculine, and outside feminine or masculine. It is a tool for understanding the world as well as for naming and describing people and things. Language gives a person the power to define oneself and the external world and one’s place in it. It provides a definition of others as well, and one’s relationship with them. Through language, people can reflect on their own gendered identities, and battle the definition society imposes on them. REFERENCES Rodriguez A., & Rodriguez, A., Gender and Society, C & E Publishing Inc., 2018 https://library.pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Gender-fair%20language%20a%20primer.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4735429/

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

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