College Students’ Perceptions of Gender-Inclusive Language Use Predict Attitudes Toward Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals

Abstract

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals face negative consequences linked to prejudice, including homelessness and violence. One medium that perpetuates prejudice toward TGNC individuals is our choice in language. Biased language is related to prejudiced attitudes. Use of gender-inclusive language, however, promotes gender equality. Previous research has examined gender-inclusive language use regarding cisgender men and women, but little work has focused on gender-inclusive language use regarding TGNC individuals. Two studies explored the connections between attitudes toward transgender individuals and perceptions of TGNC-inclusive language. Three hierarchical linear regressions and a mini meta-analysis were conducted. Results suggest that people with negative attitudes toward transgender individuals perceive greater difficulty in using gender-inclusive language. These findings suggest that inclusive language use may be indicative of more positive attitudes.

You, Me, and Them: Understanding Employees’ Use of Trans-Affirming Language within the Workplace

“…These results may reflect a greater degree of awareness about inclusive language among trans people themselves (see Zimman, 2017), as well as among individuals from sexual minorities. They also indicate that as previously reported for attitudes toward same-sex relations (Perales & Campbell, 2018) and overall use of inclusive language (Patev et al, 2019)-cisgender heterosexual men also lag behind in the adoption of inclusive language practices toward trans colleagues. Interestingly, cis-gender non-heterosexual men were less comfortable using trans-affirming language than individuals from most other groups.…”

“…Further, the present study confirms the existence of barriers to the use of trans-inclusive language that are unevenly distributed across employee and employer "types" (Kelly et al, 2020;Patev et al, 2019). To the extent that socio-demographic characteristics reflect attitudinal, cognitive, or language-related barriers, efforts need to be directed toward educating employees concerning the appropriate use of names and pronouns when addressing their trans colleagues (Sawyer et al, 2016).…”

“…Despite this, studies on sexual and gender minorities have tended to lump these groups together and/or prioritize sexual orientation, particularly the experiences of gay and lesbian employees (Beauregard et al, 2018). Workplace inclusion amongst trans employees, defined as individuals whose gender identity or expression diverges from their sex assigned at birth, remains poorly understood (Patev et al, 2019). Because trans employees are numerically under-represented and have little voice in the workplace (Beauregard et al, 2018), they are considered a "blind spot" for many organizations (Ozturk & Tatli, 2016, p.782).…”

Actitudes del alumnado universitario ante el lenguaje inclusivo y su debate en los medios de comunicación

“…A la luz de los resultados obtenidos sobre la muestra estudiada, se puede afirmar que el alumnado universitario participante se manifiesta mayoritariamente convencido de la importancia del lenguaje en la percepción personal sobre los distintos sexos. Igualmente, se demuestra su creencia en que los cambios producidos en los usos lingüísticos sociales pueden contribuir a avanzar en la necesaria y justa igualdad entre hombres y mujeres, lo que resulta coherente con las conclusiones de otros estudios recientes (Adokarley Lomotey, 2018;Patev, Dunn, Hood y Barber, 2019;Castillo Sánchez y Mayo, 2019;Pesce y Etchezahar, 2019;Slemp, 2021).…”

“…Queda de igual modo patente el mayoritario rechazo de los grupos participantes al masculino genérico y su preferencia por las distintas alternativas disponibles, incluso la del morfema -e. Se aceptan los cambios propugnados sobre el lenguaje igualitario como una realidad imparable que acabará generalizándose en la comunidad hispanohablante, aunque en este momento suscite controversia y se enfrente a no pocas dificultades. Diversos estudios anteriores también constatan la dificultad que entraña el cambio de hábitos lingüísticos (Adokarley Lomotey, 2018;Patev, Dunn, Hood y Barber, 2019).…”