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Reimagining gender pronouns

A systematic review of perceptions and implications of English epicene pronouns across social and institutional contexts

ORCiD logo with link | University of Santo TomasManila
Published online: 1 September 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.26004.tar
Abstract
This study presents a systematic literature review on English epicene pronouns (EEPs), focusing on reported perceptions and implications across social and institutional contexts. Despite growing visibility in academic, legal, and educational spheres, research on EEPs remains fragmented, with limited synthesis across disciplines. Addressing this gap, the study adopts Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2006). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide. John Wiley & Sons. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar seven-stage review model, guided by Newman, M., & Gough, D. (2020). Systematic reviews in educational research. In O. Zawacki-Richter, M. Kerres, S. Bedenlier, M. Bond, & K. Buntins (Eds.), Systematic reviews in educational research: Methodology, perspectives and application (pp. 3–22). Springer. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar framework, and thematic analysis to consolidate findings from peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published between 2000 and 2025. Drawing on data from 50 reviewed studies from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, the findings indicate that singular they is the most widely accepted EEP because it supports comprehension and reduces gender bias, with strong uptake in academic, educational, and media contexts; while resistance persists in highly regulated institutions and neopronouns (e.g., ze, hir) remain largely confined to identity-affirming spaces (e.g., online platforms) due to limited standardization and institutional support. This review provides a critical, integrative understanding of EEPs and offers a valuable framework for educators, researchers, and policymakers navigating gender-fair language (GFL) in English discourse.
Article outline
  • Introduction
    • Equity in expression: Gender-fair language in English
    • Epicene pronouns in question: Issues and emerging alternatives
  • The review method
    • Researcher positionality
  • Findings
    • Perceptions of EEPs across social and institutional contexts
      • EEPs as markers of recognition, inclusion, and social legitimacy
      • Conditional acceptance shaped by register, institutional norms, and grammatical ideology
      • Polarization and social contestation in public and policy-facing contexts
    • Implications of adopting EEPs
      • Reconfiguration of reference, agreement, and processing in English grammar
      • Shifts in gender representation, visibility, and social cognition
      • Contestation of normativity, authority, and gender ideology
  • Discussion and conclusion
  • Statements and Declarations
    • Competing Interests
    • Ethics Approval
  • References
References (70)
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