Gender Voices

Does the language we speak create and sustain a sexist culture?

This controversial and exciting proposal has fascinated feminists, psychologists and linguists alike for well over a decade.

The authors of Gender Voices explore in a clear and comprehensive manner the idea that language shapes individual lives-that through our speech we all help recreate gender divisions in society. Their introductory chapter establishes the relationship between language and social structure.

Chapter 2 explores the human voice and traditional notions of 'femininity', 'masculinity' and sexuality.

Subsequent chapters analyze differences between women and men in pronunciation and choice of words; discourse patterns and power relationships; the sexist structure of language; and language consciousness.

The possibilities for social and linguistic change are examined in the final chapters.