Gender-Specific Language in Intercollegiate Debate: A Preliminary Investigation

A study examined the opinions of a substantial segment of the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) community about gender exclusive language. Questionnaires were distributed at two large but diverse CEDA debate tournaments. A total of 180 usable surveys were returned to the 390 distributed. Survey respondents (112 men, 66 women) included 134 undergraduate debaters, 27 coaches, and 19 hired judges. Results indicated that: (1) a majority of respondents recognized instances of gender exclusive language occurring in debate rounds often or frequently; (2) there was moderate agreement that debaters should avoid extemporaneous or prepared use of gender exclusive language; (3) large segments of the debate community believed that gender exclusive language was either an insignificant issue, or an acceptable practice; (4) a statistically significant difference was found between the views of men and women regarding gender exclusive language in CEDA; (5) there was greater concern over gender exclusive language among more experienced participants; and (6) a solid majority of respondents were opposed to any draconian or punitive measures in response to gender exclusive language. Findings suggest a large-scale lack of sensitivity toward gender exclusive language in academic debate. (Seventeen tables of data are included. Contains 15 references.) (RS)