Whether it is consciously or unconsciously used, gender loaded language used by modern society defines the social and functional categories of people; and it is sexist. Language carries locutionary force, a force used to understand the implied meaning in a statement. If the statement contains sexist language, we derive a sexist meaning for not only what was said, but for society as a whole. According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of linguistic relativity, language defines culture. In other words, the words we use are powerful tools that shape who we are, how we think about ourselves, and how we act with other people. I do believe that culture is constrained by language, and when a person uses sexist language unconsciously, sexist language becomes dangerous to society.
Even insignificant words can have an important impact because small patterns of speech are often connected to larger structures. They go unnoticed because it appears petty to challenge them. Ultimately, these small things add up, impacting much larger aspects of our lives.
Sexist language fits into two categories. One is language that excludes a gender, whether that exclusion is intentional (conscious) or not. A second form is language directed towards a gender that is harmful, malicious or meant to dominate. It is often presupposed that sexist language is directed by one gender at another but in reality, people with the of the same gender can also be guilty of directing sexist language at one another. For example, it is demeaning for anyone to call another person a “ho,” regardless of the gender of the person speaking.
Another characteristic of sexist language is the use of non-comparative and comparative terms. When language becomes comparative among genders, it then becomes sexist. Sexist language also includes language which excludes or diminishes a specific gender (e.g. use of descriptive animal or pet names such as Kitten, Foxy Lady, Fat Cow), sexualized occupations (e.g. Stewardess), and direct insults (these often make a woman’s value related only to her body (e.g. Bitch, Whore).
Harm from sexist language can be both conscious and unconscious. Conscious (intentional) sexist language is typically insulting language directed at one person by another person. This type of language is insidious and will result in devaluing the relationship between those two people. In the short term, this type of sexist language is more serious. However, in my opinion, the unconscious use of sexist language is more insidious, because the user fails to understand its impact upon their own or society’s perceptions.
Linguists Susan Speer and Jonathan Potter make clear the relationship between sexism in language and sexism in society. In their book, Gender Talk: Feminism, Discourse and Conversation Analysis, the authors state, “heterosexual talk relies on and invokes normative notions of gender and sexuality, policing their boundaries, consequently telling us much about the construction of both.” Meaning, language is responsible for the boundaries used to create identity. This also means that it is vital that we make people conscious of language. People who are aware of the impact of sexist and/or gender loaded language will naturally reform themselves.
While direct “reform” of language is not needed in most cases, it is appropriate in some settings. In the professional world, professional language is the language needed to perform a specific job. Sexist language should not be tolerated at work. What is needed is awareness of the language used. Through awareness, we gain the capacity to choose whether or not to use sexist language. By making the choice of language a conscious choice, individuals remove their mental barriers regarding gender. Because gender and sex are unique and personal, awareness of gender bias in language moves us toward both positive social change and also towards personal enlightenment.