• using a married woman's first name instead of her husband's (e.g., "Ms. Annabelle Lee" not "Mrs. Herman Lee")
• using the corresponding title for females ('Ms.', 'Dr.', 'Prof.') whenever a title is appropriate for males
• using 'Dear Colleague' or 'Editor' or 'Professor', etc. in letters to unknown persons (instead of 'Dear Sir', 'Gentlemen')
Eliminate sexual stereotyping of roles by:
• using the same term (which avoids the generic 'man') for both females and males (e.g., 'department chair' or 'chairperson'), or by using the corresponding verb (e.g., 'to chair') not calling attention to irrelevancies (e.g., 'lady lawyer', 'male nurse')
Consideration for the Reader http://www.shef.ac.uk/content/1/c6/04/05/09/4_10%20Reduce%20Lang%20Bias.doc
A writing style that might imply sexual, gender or ethnic bias may be distracting, causing irritation or interruption, and so should be avoided, out of consideration for the reader. Further, authors are required to “avoid writing in a manner that reinforces questionable attitudes and assumptions about people”. To do otherwise is not only offensive, but also can create bias in both research design and interpretation.
BASIC GUIDELINES
Use an Appropriate Level of Specificity
In referring to people, choose words that are accurate, clear and free from bias. Be aware of the powerful influence of cultural practice. Use of the term man as a generic noun is not only ambiguous but also it reinforces the message that women are of secondary importance. Choose words that eliminate ambiguity.
It is also important to avoid stereotyping when writing; rather than using terms such as typically female, describe behavior accurately.
See table for examples of appropriate language use in this and other sections.
Be Sensitive to Labels
Respect group members’ preferences when deciding how to describe groups of people. Acceptable descriptions change over time, and there is often variation within groups regarding preferred wording. If in doubt, ask!
Avoid labeling wherever possible; in particular, equating people with categories (the schizophrenics, the elderly, the gays) is de-individualizing and demeaning. Use adjectives, or preferably put the person first with a description after, people with schizophrenia.
Aim to balance sensitivity, clarity and parsimony and ensure terms used are inoffensive.
Be aware of bias inherent in using one group as a standard against which others are judged. Use of the word normal as a comparison group can stigmatize people who are different and imply they are abnormal. The BPS guidelines suggest a test of implied evaluation: “substitute another group (your own) for the group being discussed. If you are offended by the revised statement there is probably bias in the original statement”.
