I was not surprised by any of the things mentioned in the textbook on sexism and sexist language. Most of it was things I’d either heard or seen myself. I did quite like how the textbook explained it. “Sexist language includes words, phrases, and expressions that unnecessarily differentiate between females and males or exclude, trivialize or diminish either sex.” (Alder, Winder, Rosenfeld, & Proctor II, 2020, p. 187). It shows not only everything that would be considered sexist language but also uses words that help to show the effect it can have.
While reading the outlined pages I found that most of what was discussed there is drastically based on the individual and the type of environment. Being the only female in an office would likely change how you are treated. As the only daughter I noticed a difference in how my brother’s thought of girls versus what some of my friends’ siblings thought. Since growing up my brothers had a sister who was weaker and more timid (unless they crossed a line) they saw women that way.
I worked in an all female office over the summer. The environment was so different from anywhere else I’d worked. Any sexist language used was in mockery of sexism and never used in any other way. Due to this and other work experiences I believe that how sexism and sexist language influences the language used in an office environment depends on the office. Each will be different.
Since an office requires teamwork and the ability to work together on things the effect that sexist language has is a huge issue. It demoralizes, which in turn lowers the ability to work. So not only does it have a personal impact, but it effects the organization or office as a whole. Nor do sexist words effect only the target, they affect everyone in the workplace. It doesn’t matter if the target is male or female all workers are affected no matter their gender. “And when sexism is not curtailed, or if its perpetrators are not challenged by the higher ups, those in authority lose their credibility” (John, n.d.).
Something else that popped out to me in the textbook was the section on sexual orientation and how derogative words relating to LGBTQ+ affect others. As someone a part of that community I have noticed how often homosexual insults are used, and how those using them react when they discover that the person, they just insulted isn’t heterosexual. Some get defensive, some get angry, some use more insults, and others apologize. These kind of words and other insults would have quite the affect on a work environment and the use of them directed at a co-worker or employee even if it isn’t directed at me, would have me handing in my notice.
While most offices should have policies in place and keep the office free of sexist language, not all will care enough to. Due to this we have laws in place to protect those who would otherwise have to either put up with it or quit.
“Workplace harassment is defined as a single or repeated incident of objectionable or unwelcome conduct, comment, bullying or action intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group. It’s a serious issue and creates an unhealthy work environment resulting in psychological harm to workers.
It does not include any reasonable conduct of an employer or supervisor related to the normal management of workers or a work site. Differences of opinion or minor disagreements between coworkers are also not generally considered to be workplace harassment if steps are taken to resolve the conflict.” (Workplace harassment and violence, 2020).
With all this in mind sexist language and sexism in general shouldn’t affect the workplace. Since unfortunately not everyone understands why it is important to treat everyone equally, thankfully we have a right to be treated fairly. I have kept this in mind with every job I’ve had. I will keep it in mind with every future job as well. So, I expect to be able to work in an office where I will be treated with basic respect, and from this chapter and the research done for this discussion post know of things I can do if that isn’t the case.
References
Alder, R. B., Winder, C., Rosenfeld, L. B., & Proctor II, R. F. (2020). Interplay Fifth Canadian Edition. Oxford.
John, S. (n.d.). How Sexist Words Affect Attitudes and Behavior in the Workplace. Retrieved from Chron: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/sexist-words-affect-attitudes-behavior-workplace-18256.html
Workplace harassment and violence. (2020). Retrieved from Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/workplace-harassment-violence.aspx
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