Gender asymmetry in the lexical representation of health care professions in Bulgarian and Polish
Gender asymmetry in the lexical representation of health care professions in Bulgarian and Polish

Author(s): Andreana Eftimova
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Lexis, Sociolinguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: feminine and masculine job titles; health care; dictionary
Summary/Abstract: The purpose of the described research was to determine whether there is a balance or imbalance in the presentation of feminine and masculine names of health care professions in selected Bulgarian and Polish dictionaries, as well as to examine how social reality could influence the choice of occupations and their names in public discourse. To this end, an analysis of the presence of the feminine and masculine job titles related to health care in the Dictionary of the Bulgarian language (Речник на българския език [DBL]) and The great dictionary of the Polish language (Wielki słownik języka polskiego [WSJP]) was carried out. This allowed us to draw conclusions about gender asymmetry in the field of health care in Bulgarian and Polish societies. Omission of feminine job titles and separate definitions of their meaning related to occupation are rare in both dictionaries. The trend of women being more permanently involved in these professions continues, yet their role is not always fully appreciated. On the other hand, the absence of men in support roles within health care confirms the stereotype of femininity being associated with charity, care, and compassion, while masculinity is linked to aggressiveness, competitiveness, and ambition.

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