Language and gender

In the preceding chapters, we have focused on the ways in which representation in language can have an impact on perception, and on forms of language use which are typical in two contexts: politics and in the media. This chapter also looks at representation and at typical forms of language use, in this case, in relation to gender. We will consider asymmetrical representations of women and men, and why these can be considered sexist. We will then look at whether women and men use language in different ways, and the possible reasons for gender based differences in conversational styles. The chapter ends by probing the concept of gender.