In the English language, gender-specific job titles have gradually been replaced by gender-neutral terms. One such word that sparks curiosity is manageress, which is an older term once used to describe a female manager. While it is rarely used today, the question often arises: what is the male version of manageress? The straightforward answer is manager, which is used for both men and women in contemporary English. Understanding the historical context and the linguistic transition helps clarify how gendered terms like these evolved and why gender-neutral vocabulary is now preferred.
Understanding the Term ‘Manageress’
The word manageress is considered a dated or old-fashioned term. It was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to specifically denote a woman who managed a business, hotel, or other establishment. At that time, it was customary to add the suffix -ess to job titles to indicate the female version. For instance, actress for a female actor or hostess for a female host. Manageress followed the same pattern.
Use in Historical Context
Back then, language and society were closely tied to traditional gender roles. Men and women had clearly defined responsibilities, and language reflected that division. As a result, when women entered the workforce and began managing establishments, the term manageress was created to distinguish them from their male counterparts.
The Male Equivalent: ‘Manager’
In contrast, the male version of manageress has always been simply manager. The word ‘manager’ originated from the Latin word ‘manus,’ meaning hand, and the French word ‘ménager,’ meaning to handle or manage. It has always been used in a gender-neutral sense, but due to social conventions of the past, it was perceived as male by default.
Modern Usage of ‘Manager’
Today, ‘manager’ is the universally accepted term for someone who oversees, directs, or administers operations, regardless of gender. This shift reflects broader social movements toward gender equality and the effort to remove unnecessary distinctions between male and female roles in the workplace.
Gender-Neutral Language and Workplace Titles
The evolution from gender-specific to gender-neutral job titles is part of a larger linguistic and cultural shift. In the modern workplace, it is considered more respectful and inclusive to use terms that do not emphasize gender unless it is specifically relevant to the context.
Examples of Gender-Neutral Alternatives
- Actress â Actor
- Stewardess â Flight Attendant
- Policeman/Policewoman â Police Officer
- Chairman/Chairwoman â Chairperson or Chair
- Manageress â Manager
These changes aim to avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes and ensure equality in language as well as in the workplace.
The Decline of ‘Manageress’ in Contemporary English
The term manageress is rarely used today in business or formal writing. It may still be found in old literature, historical documents, or films depicting past eras, but its relevance in modern communication is minimal. Using manageress in current writing or speech may come across as outdated or even offensive in some contexts, as it may suggest an unnecessary focus on gender.
Language Trends in Business Communication
Business English has become increasingly standardized and simplified. The preference is to use a single term manager to describe anyone in a managerial position. This practice also promotes clarity and avoids confusion in multinational, multilingual work environments where English is the lingua franca.
The Role of Gender in Job Titles Today
Society continues to grapple with gender and identity issues, and language plays a key role in that process. Many organizations, institutions, and even governments have implemented policies to ensure gender-inclusive language. This includes job titles, legal documents, and even pronoun usage in official communication.
Importance of Inclusive Language
Inclusive language is not just a trend; it reflects a deeper understanding of respect, diversity, and fairness. By using the word manager for both men and women, society promotes a more equal view of capability and leadership. It eliminates the implication that a woman’s role needs to be separately identified.
Usage of Manager in Global English
English, as a global language, is used in various cultural contexts. In some regions, older terms like manageress might still appear in colloquial usage or informal speech. However, in academic, corporate, and international settings, the word manager is widely accepted and understood without gender connotation.
Adoption Across Industries
Industries like hospitality, retail, corporate services, sports, and entertainment have adopted manager as a standard designation. Whether someone is a hotel manager, project manager, marketing manager, or team manager, the role is defined by the responsibilities, not by gender.
Common Questions About Manageress and Manager
Is it wrong to use the word manageress?
Not necessarily wrong, but it is outdated. In most modern professional settings, using manager is more appropriate and respectful.
Why did people use manageress in the past?
It was common to create feminine forms of job titles to reflect traditional gender distinctions. Language often mirrored the societal structure of the time.
Does manager imply a man?
No, manager is a gender-neutral term. While it may have been perceived as masculine in the past, current usage recognizes it as suitable for all genders.
The male version of manageress is manager, a term that is now used for anyone in a managerial role regardless of gender. The shift from gender-specific terms to inclusive language reflects a broader societal movement toward equality and respect in the workplace. Understanding this evolution not only enhances communication but also promotes a more inclusive and progressive environment in both business and society. As language continues to evolve, the focus remains on capability, not gender, making titles like manager universally appropriate and relevant.