Gendered Words in an Ungendered Language: 

The Relationship of Gender Stereotypes and Gendered Adjectives in the English Language

 

Mallory Rodell
Dr. Amber Johnson and Dr. Brian Ott, Faculty Mentors

Within the United States there has been a call, by sections of the general public, for people to be more aware of inequalities based on gender. Is there a connection between one’s view on gender, gender stereotypes, and how they view words within a language with no specific gendered words? This research explores these connections and how it can be displayed through a participant’s responses. This research uses the binary gender identification system, which is typically organized as male or female, masculine or feminine, with generally no fluidity. Data was collected through 120 electronic surveys distributed to randomly selected undergraduate students currently enrolled at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. The survey collected information whether respondents perceived a list of adjectives as gendered. The research shows a correlation between how participants view the binary system of gender identification, gender stereotypes, and the types of words they identify as gendered.

Keywords: 

Topic(s):Anthropology

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA