Gender-insensitive

Characterized by a lack of awareness of, or disregard for, gender differences, stereotypes, and biases. This insensitivity can manifest in language, behavior, policies, or practices that perpetuate discrimination, marginalization, or offense towards individuals or groups based on their gender identity or expression. It often involves making assumptions about people's roles, abilities, or preferences based solely on their gender, without considering individual nuances. It can range from minor thoughtlessness to overt prejudice, contributing to a climate of exclusion and inequality.

Gender-insensitive meaning with examples

• The company's marketing campaign was widely criticized as gender-insensitive. It relied heavily on outdated stereotypes, portraying men as strong and dominant and women as primarily concerned with domesticity. This perpetuated harmful views and alienated a large segment of the target audience, leading to public backlash and ultimately damaging brand reputation.
• The professor's lectures were frequently peppered with gender-insensitive language, using male pronouns generically when referring to professionals like doctors or engineers. This unintentionally excluded and discouraged female students, creating a classroom environment where women felt their contributions were undervalued and their presence less visible.
• The workplace policy regarding parental leave was found to be gender-insensitive as it offered more generous benefits to mothers than fathers, which while appearing supportive of mothers, also reinforced traditional gender roles and discouraged fathers from taking on caregiving responsibilities.
• In a fictional novel, the main character's dismissive treatment of a transgender character, using their pre-transition name and pronouns without any consideration of their identity, portrays a clear example of gender-insensitive behavior contributing to harmful stereotypes and misrepresentation.