Preferences in Sexism in Selected Governmental and Institutional Documents in Nigeria

Abstract

Sexism refers to attitudes, beliefs, or practices that differentiate or discriminate based on sex or gender. Often resulting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, or rights. For a long time now, women have faced and are still facing discrimination, marginalization, victimization, humiliation and much more in the society. They have been oppressed, belittled, underrepresented and dominated through language use. The saying "give them an inch and they take a mile" is one among the languages used to oppress and demean women. The English Language is ingrained with sexist expressions which favours one gender against the other. The study examined sexism in select official documents in Nigeria to identify the manifestation of sexist language. The aim of this study is to identify the manifestation of sexist language in select official documents in Nigeria. The data derived from the survey were analysed within the framework of Appraisal Theory. Data were collected through observation method. A qualitative approach was adopted. Results revealed that select official documents in Nigeria are intertwined with sexist words and expressions such as chairman, clergymen, gentleman of the bar, my lord, Sir, used for both genders. The most predominantly is the use of the word "chairman". In addition, the masculine term 'he', 'him', 'his' used for both genders in the Nigerian constitution is sexist and male dominated making women appear invincible in language use. The researchers call for a review of the constitution and other official documents to amend the existing sexist expressions. It is also recommended that gender - inclusive language should be used to neutralise the already identified sexist expressions.