Gender and Language

The relationship between gender and language has been a major area of sociolinguistic research since the 1970s. Researchers have asked whether men and women use language differently, and if so, why — and what the consequences are. This lesson examines the key theoretical models (deficit, dominance, difference, and performativity), evaluates the landmark studies, and considers contemporary perspectives on gender and language use.

Key Definition: In sociolinguistics, sex typically refers to biological categories (male/female), while gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, and identities associated with being masculine or feminine. Most modern research focuses on gender rather than sex.

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Lakoff: The Deficit Model

Robin Lakoff (1975) published Language and Woman's Place, one of the most influential — and controversial — works on gender and language. Lakoff argued that women's language was characterised by features that reflected and reinforced their subordinate social position. She termed this "women's language."

Features of Women's Language (Lakoff, 1975)