Kjønnsnøytral

Kjønnsnøytral is an adjective used to describe something that does not rely on or reinforce traditional gender distinctions. It is commonly applied to language, policies, and products where the aim is to avoid bias or stereotyping based on gender. In language, kjønnsnøytralitet involves choosing terms that do not assume a person’s gender, using inclusive forms, and avoiding gendered labels for occupations or roles. In public communication and administration, kjønnsnøytral language is often promoted to improve equality and accessibility.

In Norwegian discourse, the term has been prominent in discussions about pronouns and terminology. The neutral pronoun hen has been debated as a way to refer to people without specifying gender, while others advocate using gender-neutral constructions such as personen, den enkelte, or avoiding gendered nouns altogether. Many organizations implement guidelines to use kjønnsnøytral language in job advertisements, forms, and education materials to reduce gender bias and widen participation.

The concept also intersects with law and policy, where kjønnsnøytrale measures include anti-discrimination rules, parental leave policies, and educational practices designed to be inclusive of all genders. Critics argue that excessive emphasis on kjønnsnøytral language can obscure gender realities or be impractical in some contexts, while supporters view it as a step toward equality and social inclusion. The scope of kjønnsnøytrale practices evolves with social attitudes, legislation, and linguistic norms.