Generation Gaps in Attitudes Toward Sexist/Nonsexist Language

Abstract

This study of attitudes toward sexist/nonsexist language reveals generation gaps in a sample of 18- to 87-year-olds ( N = 370). On average, participants are undecided about the merits of inclusive language, but older participants are more supportive than 18- to 22-year-olds. Attitudes toward women are a significant predictor of attitudes toward sexist/nonsexist language in all age—gender groups. Education is a stronger predictor than age; perspective-taking ability and gender self-esteem are each significant predictors for one age—gender group.