A recent study suggests that using gender inclusive language alone may not significantly improve outcomes for women in the workplace.

Researchers found that gender inclusive language in both English and German did not influence short term workplace behaviors linked to career advancement such as willingness to compete or to take on leadership roles. Participants showed similar behavior regardless of whether masculine language or gender inclusive terms were used.

Although gender inclusive language such as chairperson or firefighter is often viewed as a way to promote equality, the study indicates that it does not by itself create immediate behavioral change. The researchers emphasize that inclusive language should be used alongside other proven strategies rather than as a standalone solution.

The study examined how participants responded to different language instructions. Some were addressed using masculine terms, while others received gender inclusive language using both male and female forms or the neutral pronoun they. The results showed no meaningful difference in competitiveness or leadership willingness between these groups.

The research was conducted in English and German, and findings were consistent across both languages. This challenges the common assumption that gender inclusive language has an immediate effect on workplace behavior.

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Exeter, including Loukas Balafoutas, Helena Fornwagner, Emily Hauser, and Oliver Hauser.

According to Dr Fornwagner, workplaces often have limited resources, and employers should focus on measures that have demonstrated impact. Supportive workplace structures and fair wages are more effective in closing gender gaps, while inclusive language should be part of a broader approach to equality and inclusion.

The researchers collected data from over two thousand participants in the United Kingdom and Austria between June 2022 and February 2023. Participants were recruited online and completed tasks measuring competitiveness and willingness to lead. All participants received the same information, with the only difference being the language used in the instructions.

The researchers note that long term exposure to gender inclusive language may still influence workplace behavior, reduce stereotypes, or support cultural change. However, such long term effects were beyond the scope of this study, and outcomes may vary in other languages with different grammatical structures.

Source: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/no-evidence-that-using-gender-inclusive-language-alone-helps-women-in-the-workplace-study-shows/