könsneutral

Könsneutral describes a set of linguistic practices, policies, or cultural norms that deliberately avoid signaling or enforcing gender distinctions. The aim is to treat people and roles without reference to gender in order to reduce bias, promote equality, and reflect the diversity of gender identities in society. The term is commonly used in Swedish language discussions but appears in international contexts as well.

Etymology and usage: The compound derives from kön (gender) and neutral, with cognates in other languages such as gender-neutral English. In Swedish, könsneutral is used to describe language use, job titles, and formulations that do not imply a specific gender or gender binary. It is seen in guidelines for schools, media, public administration, and corporate communication.

Language features: A notable feature is the introduction of gender-neutral pronouns such as hen, used when gender is unknown or irrelevant or when referring to nonbinary individuals. Other practices include avoiding gendered forms in occupations (for example, using inclusive terms where possible) and using phrases that do not signal gender.

Debate and policy: Implementing könsneutral language can provoke debate over clarity and tradition, but supporters argue it supports equality and reduces stereotypes. It is reflected in anti-discrimination policies, human-rights documents, and diversity and inclusion initiatives in education and the workplace. See also gender-neutral language and the pronoun hen.