Stereotypes regarding women in math and science are well-known predictors of participation, attitudes, performance, and career choices. Gender-fair language can mitigate negative effects of these stereotypes. Vervecken & Hannover (2015) showed that using both feminine and masculine forms in occupational descriptions reduced feelings of alienation and increased self-efficacy among women compared to generic masculine forms. Similarly, Kricheli-Katz & Regev (2021) found that addressing participants in generic masculine forms during math tasks led to poorer performance among women, while men were unaffected.

However, the effects of non-binary gender-fair language in German, such as gender-star forms (Teilnehmer*innen) or neutral forms (Teilnehmende), remain unexplored. We propose an online experiment to minimize stereotype threat and role-model interference. Participants (4 groups, equal in gender) will complete a standardized multiple-choice math test inspired by the German Kangaroo competition. Each group will be addressed using one of four language forms: gender-star, neutral, feminine, or masculine form. We will measure correct answers and time spent per question as indicators of performance and effort. After the test, participants will self-assess their performance, report attitudes toward mathematics and name their field of study, age, and gender identity.

We expect gender-fair forms to positively influence time investment and self-assessment among female participants. Future studies should examine interactions between language and role-model effects, for example, in classroom settings with teachers varying in gender presentation.

Literature:

Vervecken, D., & Hannover, B. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-9335/a000229

Kricheli-Katz, T., & Regev, T. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-021-00087-7