Question

Which sentence contains gender-neutral language? The firemen loaded their equipment and started up the ladder. The stewardess helped load passengers onto the plane. A company is looking to replace the chairman of the board. Recycling helps preserve the Earth for all humankind.

Answer 1

The last one Recycling helps preserve the Earth for all humankind.

Answer 2

Answer:

D) Recycling helps preserve the Earth for all humankind.

Explanation:

Language can be gender biased, or it can be gender neutral.  Gender biased language can be said to favor one gender over the other by its use of “man.”  This stems from the antiquated belief that certain professions, for instance, were frequently occupied by men such as the use of ‘fireman” or “policeman.”  To change take the bias out of those words would result in the following:  “firefighter” and “police officer.”  Of all the possible answers you provided above, Option D is without bias and is gender neutral because of its use of “humankind” instead of “mankind.”