Language, communication and society: a gender based linguistics analysis

TL;DR

This study investigates how language reflects societal gender stereotypes by analyzing questionnaire responses, aiming to understand the role of language in perpetuating gender biases and inequalities.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on gender stereotypes in language and their potential impact on societal roles and biases.

Findings

Presence of gender stereotypes in psychological traits

Language influences societal gender roles

Potential link between language use and gender inequality

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find evidence for supporting the hypothesis that language is the mirror of our thinking, our prejudices and cultural stereotypes. In this analysis, a questionnaire was administered to 537 people. The answers have been analysed to see if gender stereotypes were present such as the attribution of psychological and behavioural characteristics. In particular, the aim was to identify, if any, what are the stereotyped images, which emerge in defining the roles of men and women in modern society. Moreover, the results given can be a good starting point to understand if gender stereotypes, and the expectations they produce, can result in penalization or inequality. If so, the language and its use would create inherently a gender bias, which influences evaluations both in work settings both in everyday life.