The dimension of gender in Universities: Discourse and Linguistic Sexism
The subject of this thesis is the dimension of gender and linguistic sexism in Universities. The phenomenon of linguistic sexism has been explored in our country mainly at the primary and secondary education levels, and Gender Equality Committees have been established at Universities, along with corresponding Observatories regarding the implementation of European rules for addressing gender discrimination. In the same context, in 2018, the “Guide to the Use of Non-Sexist Language in Administrative Documents” was issued by the National Printing Office, aiming to mobilize and adopt good practices by the Gender Equality Units of Higher Education Institutions, both in administrative documents and in speech within and outside the academic community. However, a more in-depth examination reveals a relative lack of Greek literature on the subject of this thesis within the framework of Higher Education.In this study, the discourse and the attitudes and opinions of faculty members (teaching and administrative staff) regarding linguistic sexism will be investigated, as well as how language becomes a means of inclusion or exclusion, and positions regarding the potential reinforcement of gender equality. Furthermore, a critical analysis of educational material and administrative documents officially distributed to students will be analysed to explore cases of linguistic sexism. The ultimate goal of this research is to create an expanded guide that will aim not only to strengthen existing practices regarding the non-sexist use of language but also to include “tools” for resolution as well as support for actions aimed at the practical and substantive establishment of gender equality in the university setting.
Key Words: Grammatical Gender, Sexism, Linguistic Sexism, Higher Education, Administrative Documents, Educators, Public Officials, Overcoming Gender Stereotypes.
KonstantinaSklavou(Supervisor), Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work of the University of West Attica.
Stylliani Papamichail,Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work of the School of Administrative, Economic and Social Sciences of the University of West Attica.
MarinaTzakosta, Professor of Language Development & Preschool Education, Pedagogical Department of Preschool Education, University of Crete.
