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Androcentric expressions in academic writings

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Date Issued:
2011
Abstract/Description:
The pervasiveness of androcentric thinking in many Western societies is evident in language. A prime example of androcentric language has historically been English, especially formal writing. In recognition of this detrimental practice, the American Psychological Association (APA) began prohibiting use of the generic “he” in articles published in psychology journals during the 1970's. However, other forms of malecentered language remained unchallenged, and I argue that academic writings still favor masculine interests. In this study, articles published in academic journals were examined for four instances of possible androcentric expression: number of citations for female versus male authors within a journal; frequency of first name stated in citations of male versus female authors; first placement of female versus male data in correlation matrix tables; and attribution of difference to males versus females in comparison statements. Significant results were found in all studies. These instances have practical implications, including discrepancies in who is applying for positions and who is receiving them.
Title: Androcentric expressions in academic writings.
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Name(s): Coats, Ashley, author
Njambi, Wairimũ N., Thesis advisor
Lanning, Kevin, Thesis advisor
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Florida Atlantic University
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2011
Date Issued: 2011
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: online resource
Extent: 111 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The pervasiveness of androcentric thinking in many Western societies is evident in language. A prime example of androcentric language has historically been English, especially formal writing. In recognition of this detrimental practice, the American Psychological Association (APA) began prohibiting use of the generic “he” in articles published in psychology journals during the 1970's. However, other forms of malecentered language remained unchallenged, and I argue that academic writings still favor masculine interests. In this study, articles published in academic journals were examined for four instances of possible androcentric expression: number of citations for female versus male authors within a journal; frequency of first name stated in citations of male versus female authors; first placement of female versus male data in correlation matrix tables; and attribution of difference to males versus females in comparison statements. Significant results were found in all studies. These instances have practical implications, including discrepancies in who is applying for positions and who is receiving them.
Identifier: FA00003571 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2011.
Collection: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003571
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU

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