Gender Biased Language in Accounting and Business Journals

Sexist language is one of the primary ways in which society reinforces and perpetuates sexism. Recognizing the role of language in enacting and transmitting gender-biased perceptions, the AICPA recommends the elimination of male-specific language. A study was undertaken to determine the status of ge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Woman CPA 1991-07, Vol.53 (3), p.4
Main Authors: Hicks, Donald W, Hull, Rita P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accountants
Accounting
Gender
Language
Sex discrimination
Sexism
Statistical data
Studies
Women
Writing
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Summary:Sexist language is one of the primary ways in which society reinforces and perpetuates sexism. Recognizing the role of language in enacting and transmitting gender-biased perceptions, the AICPA recommends the elimination of male-specific language. A study was undertaken to determine the status of gender-biased language in accounting literature. Since words are a form of power, the use of male nouns and pronouns to represent humans in published literature may be perceived as an obstacle to the upward mobility of women accountants. For the study, random samples were drawn from academic journals and from nonacademic journals. The results indicate that sexist language continues to be used in both academic and nonacademic journals, despite the editorial review process. Editors should be made aware of the damaging effects of sexist language. Editors of accounting and business literature should serve as role models by adopting guidelines for eliminating sexist language.
ISSN:0043-7271