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Article published In: Journal of Language and Sexuality
Vol. 14:2 (2025) ► pp.262–285

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Attitudes toward gender-neutral language in Spanish

Evidence from L1 Spanish speakers

ORCiD logo with link | Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
 | Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
Published online: 18 August 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jls.24026.hur
Abstract
Gender-neutral language is important for fostering inclusivity of gender-diverse individuals. Spanish grammar incorporates gender-based distinctions, making it challenging to achieve gender neutrality. The aim of the present research was to examine factors related to the acceptance of gender-neutral terms in Spanish. Previous research highlighted age, gender, exposure, and modern sexism’s impact on gender-neutral language attitudes. No previous research has explored machismo, openness to experience, or attitudes toward gender and transgender individuals. We investigated factors related to attitudes among 184 native Spanish speakers proficient in English (M = 29.73 years, SD = 10.40). The results of hierarchical multiple regression models indicated a significant gender difference and highlighted that affirmation beliefs matter for cisgender men while machismo beliefs matter for cisgender women. Our findings have implications for how attitudes about gender-neutral language may be changed through educational interventions to promote linguistic inclusivity.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Method
    • 2.1Participants
    • 2.2Materials
    • 2.3Procedure
  • 3.Results
  • 4.General discussion
  • References
References (48)
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