Avoiding Sexist Language

The RSCC
Online Writing Lab

Avoiding Sexist Language

When people use sexist language they are actually showing a bias, even if they are unaware of the bias or if it is unintentional. Your usage is sexist if you refer in general to doctors, managers, lawyers, company presidents, engineers, and other professionals as "he" or "him" while referring to nurses, secretaries, and homemakers as "she" or "her." Our goal as communicators is to identify with our audience, not to inadvertently insult them. Follow these guidelines to eliminate sexist expressions from your communications:

1. Use neutral expressions:

Use "chair," or "chairperson," rather than "chairman"
Use "businessperson" rather than "businessman"
Use "supervisor" rather than "foreman"
Use "police officer" rather than "policeman"
Use "letter carrier" rather than "postman"
Use "homemaker" rather than "housewife"

2. Use plural forms. Instead of using "The manager . . . he," use "The managers . . . they."

3. When possible (as in direct address), use "you." For example, "You can begin to eliminate sexual bias by becoming aware of the problem." But be careful to avoid using "you." If used too often, it can sound as if you're ordering your reader around.

4. Drop endings such as -ess and -ette used to denote females (e.g., poetess, authoress, bachelorette, majorette).

5. Avoid overuse of pairings (him or her, she or he, his or hers, he/she). Too many such pairings are awkward.

6. Avoid sexist salutations such as "Dear Sir", or "Gentlemen." It is always preferable to use the person's name. If you do not know whether a woman is married or not, use Ms. If you are unable to find out the gender of the person, use the position title on an attention line (Attention: Quality Assurance Supervisor) instead of a salutation.

Prepared by Jennifer Jordan-Henley

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