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Social Perception of Non-Binary Individuals.
Karolina Hansen1, Katarzyna Żółtak2
1Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183, Warsaw, Poland. karolina.hansen@psych.uw.edu.pl.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|April 25, 2022
Summary
Non-binary individuals using gender-neutral language in Polish were perceived as less competent and socially accepted. Unfamiliarity with this language style contributed to negative perceptions and lower comprehension.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Language is a key aspect of personal identity expression.
- Non-binary individuals often employ gender-neutral language to express their identity.
- Language use influences social perception, particularly for marginalized groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how non-binary individuals are perceived based on their language use.
- To analyze the challenges of gender-neutral language in Polish, a highly gendered language.
- To explore the impact of gender-neutral language on social perception and acceptance.
Main Methods:
- An experiment involving 130 participants (102 women, 28 men) was conducted.
- Participants read gendered (masculine/feminine) and gender-neutral texts.
- Participant perceptions of individuals using gender-neutral language were assessed.
Main Results:
- Most participants assigned a masculine name to the person in the gender-neutral text.
- Gender-neutral text was rated as less comprehensible than gendered texts.
- Non-binary individuals were perceived as less competent, colder, and less socially accepted.
Conclusions:
- Negative perceptions of non-binary individuals are linked to unfamiliarity with and lower comprehensibility of gender-neutral language.
- Further research is necessary to understand and mitigate negative consequences.
- Addressing unfamiliarity with gender-neutral language can improve social acceptance.
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