Words that Count Women Out/in

Language can both reflect and shape the way people are treated in today's society. It can be used to open doors when it is gender inclusive, or to create barriers when it is not. The goal of this booklet is to encourage gender-inclusive language. Bias-free language is effective language. A number of studies demonstrate that an audience is more likely to "get the message," and to remember information, when inclusive language is used. This guide can help eliminate gender bias in writing, speech, and images. It is not meant to be a complete treatment of the subject, but rather a practical resource. The chapters are: (1) The Language Barrier: An Introduction to the "why" of inclusive language; (2) It's a Matter of Clarity: Reasons for, arguments against, inclusive language; (3) Sticky Wickets, and How to Avoid Them: Some advice on the "rules" of inclusive language; (4) Words to the Wise: A glossary; (5) Language on the Move; (6) Women Speak up About Sex-Biased Language; (7) Cracking Down on Bias: Insiders share their strategies; (8) Word Buffs, Take Note; and (9) Suggested Reading, a 12-item annotated bibliography. (JBJ)