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.