The implementation of neo- and nonbinary pronouns: a review of current research and future challenges

This review explores the current state of research on attitudes toward and the use of neo- and nonbinary pronouns, as well as their effects on gender conceptualization. Due to the limited scope of existing studies, this review focuses on Swedish and English. Additionally, I will examine resistance to gender-inclusive language and linguistic gender reforms, with a particular emphasis on nonbinary pronouns and the politicization of such reforms, which represents a significant barrier to the adoption of gender-inclusive language. More research is needed to explore attitudes toward, usage of, and the consequences of neo- and nonbinary pronouns across a wide range of languages. Moreover, it is crucial to investigate the politicized polarization surrounding these reforms to better understand when and why people (do not) use nonbinary pronouns and the broader implications of these pronouns for gender conceptualization in the future. This review is structured as follows: I will first describe the general function of pronouns and discuss the interplay between language, gender, and cognition in relation to pronouns. Then, I will examine the implementation of gender-inclusive pronouns in Swedish and English, the dual nature of many gender-inclusive pronouns, and how this duality influences attitudes and usage. I conclude by discussing future research venues that I see, mainly connected to better understanding the politicization of gender-inclusive language and how this politicization and polarization influences attitudes to and use of nonbinary pronouns and effects of nonbinary pronouns in gender conceptualization.