Module 1 — Effective
writing: Strategies
and principles
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Types of discriminatory writing
Race
The use of ethnic and racial labels, names, and expressions that are created and used to portray certain groups as inferior or superior to others is discriminatory. Given the international nature of ILO's work, it is imperative that non-discriminatory language in relation to race and ethnicity be used.
Gender
ILO places great emphasis on the need to use gender-sensitive language. Gender-specific language expresses bias in favour of one sex and thus discriminates against the other. In general the bias is usually in favour of men and against women.
You should aim for non-sexist language (sometimes called gender-neutral, non-gender specific or inclusive language) that includes women and treats women and men equally.
A common problem in writing is the use of the masculine pronoun to generalize for all people. A more subtle discrimination occurs in the use of examples and illustrations where women are often left out or when describing people in power; it is usually men who are used as examples.
Disability and chronic illness
The chief trap to avoid is emphasizing the disability or chronic illness rather than the person. Labels such as 'deaf and dumb', 'Mongoloid', 'retarded', are still commonly used, but should be avoided.
Often people with a disability are referred to collectively as 'the disabled', 'the handicapped', 'the mentally retarded', 'the blind', 'the deaf', 'the infected' or 'paraplegics', 'spastics', 'epileptics', etc. These terms have the effect of depersonalizing the description of people and equating the person with the disability or illness.
If it is necessary or desirable to be more specific about the type of disability involved, the same strategy is recommended: that is, not to focus entirely on the person's disability in the description. Do not put the disability first and the person second.
Age
Different societies and cultures vary in their perception and valuing of age. Care should be taken in writing to reflect this sensitivity by avoiding inappropriate language relating to age.