The Economic Impact of Gendered Expressions in English Short Stories and Business Communication
The Economic Impact of Gendered Expressions in English Short Stories and Business Communication

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the economic implications of gendered expressions in English short stories and business communication, emphasizing how linguistic choices shape perceptions of competence, authority, and economic value. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks—including Bourdieu’s linguistic capital theory and Akerlof & Kranton’s identity economics—the study examines how gendered language connects economic disparities across literary and professional domains. In literature, particularly short stories, feminine-coded narratives often feature protagonists with lower agency, subtly reinforcing traditional gender roles. These cultural texts mirror and normalize societal expectations that disadvantage women in real-world economic contexts. In business communication, similar gendered linguistic patterns influence decision-making, negotiation outcomes, and workplace dynamics, with masculine-coded language often linked to increased leadership credibility and financial success. Empirical studies show that women face social penalties for assertive communication, while men benefit from the same behaviors. The study aims to expose the economic costs of linguistic bias, offering actionable insights for inclusive corporate communication and editorial practices. By revealing the intersection of language, literature, gender, and economics, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how narrative and professional discourse can reinforce or resist systemic inequalities.

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