Sexism
Mar
11
Sexism occurs when we allow gender stereotypes to control our interactions with members of the opposite sex. Gender stereotyping involves making broad generalizations about men or women based on outmoded assumptions, such as “men don’t know how to take care of children” or “women don’t understand business.”
Such beliefs transcend national boundaries and have been reported in over thirty countries in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.45 Gender stereotyping is especially problematic when it implies that the differences between men and women justify discrimination. As you plan and prepare your message, try to be aware of any gender stereotypes you might have that could interfere with effective communication. Be careful not to portray gender roles in ways suggesting superiority or inferiority. For instance, when you use examples or stories to illustrate a point, don’t make all your authority figures male.
Gender stereotyping often reveals itself in the use of sexist language. As you plan your speeches, you must think about the language you use so that you can avoid such problems. Sexist language involves making gender references in situations where the gender is unknown or irrelevant. It may involve the generic use of masculine nouns or pronouns, such as referring to “man’s advances in science” or using he when the intended reference is to both sexes. You can avoid this problem simply by saying “she or he” or by using the plural “they.” Some people have criticized this practice, saying that it makes the wording of messages awkward. They scoff at the seriousness of the problem.