Language influences mass opinion toward gender and LGBT equality
Abstract
Evidence from 3 survey experiments traces the effects of gender-neutral pronoun use on mass judgments of gender equality and tolerance toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The results establish that individual use of gender-neutral pronouns reduces the mental salience of males. This shift is associated with people expressing less bias in favor of traditional gender roles and categories, as manifested in more positive attitudes toward women and LGBT individuals in public affairs.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- August 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1908156116
- Bibcode:
- 2019PNAS..11616781T