Influence of sexist language on motivation and feelings of ostracism (La influencia del lenguaje sexista en la motivación y el sentimiento de ostracismo)

Abstract

Sexist language can trigger feelings of ostracism and negatively influence women's motivation and identification. In this research, we test this hypothesis in two domains (academic: Study 1 [N = 107 Spanish high schoolers]; work: Study 2 [N = 164 Spanish university students]. We examine the underlying process that leads women and men to feel ostracized and less motivated when sexist language is used. Results show that the use of sexist language has a negative impact on feelings of ostracism and motivation for both women and men. This can be explained by various motivational processes: intrapersonal (identification with the task or the job), interpersonal (feelings of belonging) and intergroup (perceived discrimination). We find no impact of participants' gender on these effects, although girls show more negative attitudes than boys towards exclusive language. Moreover, the use of gender-fair language reduces negative emotions in participants reporting low levels of neosexism compared to when sexist language is used (Study 2). Overall, these results suggest that changing language practices might have positive motivational implications for both genders. RESUMENEl lenguaje sexista puede activar sentimientos de ostracismo y llegar a ejercer una influencia negativa en la motivación y en la identificación de las mujeres. En esta investigación, probamos esta hipótesis en dos ámbitos: el académico (Estudio 1; N = 107 estudiantes de secundaria en España) y el laboral (Estudio 2; N = 164 estudiantes universitarios españoles/as). Se analizan los procesos subyacentes por los que las personas, hombres y mujeres, se sienten excluidas y menos motivadas ante el uso de un lenguaje sexista. Los resultados muestran que el lenguaje sexista tiene un impacto negativo en los sentimientos de ostracismo y en la motivación tanto de hombres como de mujeres. Esto puede explicarse por diversos procesos motivacionales que operan tanto a nivel intrapersonal (identificación con la tarea o el trabajo), como a nivel interpersonal (sentimientos de pertenencia) e intergrupal (discriminación percibida). No se observó un impacto del género de los participantes en estos efectos, aunque las chicas mostraron actitudes más negativas que los chicos respecto al lenguaje ARTICLE HISTORY

Exploring the use of gender-fair language by influencers

“…Previous research shows how language is a mediator for the achievement of social inclusion (SI) and social diversity (Tankosi c et al, 2021;Piller and Takahashi, 2011). In addition, other authors have established that language is a variable that influences the attitudes, behavior and perceptions of society (De Lemus and Estevan-Reina, 2021;Patev et al, 2019;Heilman and Caleo, 2018;Sczesny et al, 2016;Koeser et al, 2015;Koeser and Sczesny, 2014). The literature has identified a gap in the research of more complex methodologies based on SN information (Nicolas et al, 2018); therefore, this study employs Text Analysis by Data Mining Algorithms (Urrutia et al, 2021) to develop the GFL Clustering BoW Methodology.…”

“…, 2021; Piller and Takahashi, 2011). In addition, other authors have established that language is a variable that influences the attitudes, behavior and perceptions of society (De Lemus and Estevan-Reina, 2021; Patev et al. , 2019; Heilman and Caleo, 2018; Sczesny et al.…”

“…Gender Equality (GE) is a significant problem worldwide, and the current pandemic jeopardizes many achievements in health, economy, safety and welfare (UNFPA, 2020). Previous research about Gender-Fair Language (GFL) has established that language is a variable that influences the attitudes, behavior and perceptions of society (De Lemus and Estevan-Reina, 2021;Patev et al, 2019;Heilman and Caleo, 2018;Sczesny et al, 2016;Koeser et al, 2015). Other studies show that GFL aims to reduce gender stereotypes and discrimination (Sczesny et al, 2016;Koeser et al, 2015), which is now well established.…”

The discourse of resistance against spoken sexism

“…In detail, sexist remarks can cause anger, intense anxiety and negatively affect a person's self-image and self-confidence, occasionally leading to eating disorders (Garaigordobil & Maganto, 2013;Swim et al, 2001). Furthermore, sexist discourse can negatively influence women's sense of belonging and make them refrain from engaging in roles that are not in line with the traditional gender stereotypes (de Lemus & Estevan-Reina, 2021). At the same time, many women internalize sexist ideology and self-objectify, resulting in emotional distress (Becker & Sibley, 2016;Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997;Szymanski et al, 2009).…”

More than words: Gender inclusive language creates identity safety and protection against stereotype threat for women in a mathematics context

“…How motivated did you feel during the completion of the experimental tasks of this study? adapted from previous studies (de Lemus & Estevan-Reina, 2021;. Participants responded in a scale from 1 (Not motivated at all/Nothing at all) to 7 (Fully motivated/A lot).Self-efficacy 6 .…”