FSD4034 Generic and Nonbinary Pronouns in English: Use and Attitudes 2017
The dataset is (C) available for research only (including Master's, doctoral and Polytechnic/University of Applied Sciences Master's theses). The dataset may not be used for teaching, study (e.g. seminar papers, essays) or other theses (Bachelor's theses or equivalent).
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Study title
Generic and Nonbinary Pronouns in English: Use and Attitudes 2017
Dataset ID Number
FSD4034
Persistent identifiers
https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD4034https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd4034
Data Type
Quantitative
Authors
- Hekanaho, Laura (University of Helsinki)
Abstract
The survey examined respondents' views on the use of English pronouns, language-related attitudes, and linguistic phenomena connected to gender. In addition, it explored respondents' attitudes toward gender-neutral pronouns and their application in different communication contexts.
First, the survey investigated respondents' perceptions of linguistic structures and language change. Participants were asked to complete sentences and evaluate the naturalness and acceptability of various English pronoun constructions. Attitudes toward feminist language use, sexist language, and language that promotes gender equality were also assessed. Respondents further evaluated how language influences worldviews and how gendered language choices relate to broader societal attitudes.
Next, the survey addressed respondents' views on individuals belonging to gender minorities (for example, transgender and nonbinary people) and the use of their pronouns. Respondents evaluated both the use of singular they and newer pronouns such as ze and xe, in both specific and general contexts. The survey also explored which genders respondents believe are included in various pronoun references, such as 'average person” or 'everyone.” In addition, participants were asked to assess the relationship between language and gender equality and to consider whether English should have distinct pronouns for trans and nonbinary individuals.
Background variables in the dataset include gender, age, country of residence (current and childhood), language proficiency, educational background—including whether respondents have studied gender studies or linguistics—and connection to the LGBT+ community.
Keywords
Attitudes; Gender equality; Language variations; Linguistics; Non-binary persons; Sociolinguistics; Women's movement
Topic Classification
- Humanities (Fields of Science Classification)
- Social sciences (Fields of Science Classification)
- Language and linguistics (CESSDA Topic Classification)
- Gender and gender roles (CESSDA Topic Classification)
- Social change (CESSDA Topic Classification)
Series
Individual datasetsDistributor
Finnish Social Science Data Archive
Access
The dataset is (C) available only for research including master's theses.
Data Collector
- Hekanaho, Laura (University of Helsinki)
Funders
- Jutikkala Fund
- University of Helsinki
- Finnish Concordia Fund
Time Period Covered
2017
Collection Dates
2017-02-02 – 2017-03-13
Nation
Finland, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, United States of America, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, France, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand
Geographical Coverage
Finland, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, United States of America, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, France, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Korea, Republic of, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand
Analysis/Observation Unit Type
Individual
Universe
People aged 18 and over who speak English as their native language, as well as Finnish or Swedish native speakers who speak English fluently
Time Method
Cross-section
Sampling Procedure
Non-probability: Availability
The research invitation was distributed widely via the internet, and the majority of respondents saw the survey advertisement on the Reddit discussion forum. In the sampling process, the aim was to follow the principles of quota sampling, but not to reflect the actual population distribution. During the sampling, efforts were made to reach respondents representing different genders and age groups (n=100 per group), but not all quotas were fully met.
Collection Mode
Self-administered questionnaire: Web-based (CAWI)
Research Instrument
Semi-structured questionnaire
Data File Language
Downloaded data package may contain different language versions of the same files.
The data files of this dataset are available in the following languages: English.
FSD translates quantitative data into English on request, free of charge. More information on ordering data translation.
Number of Cases and Variables
122 variables and 1128 cases.
Data Version
1.0
Completeness of Data and Restrictions
The data have been anonymised by the researcher. The researcher has removed variables related to religion and political views. In addition, some variables, such as gender and belonging to the LGBT+ community, have been categorized to reduce identifiability. Identifying information that participants provided without being asked has also been removed.
The data contains several variables created by the researcher. In addition, the researcher has classified open-ended responses in some variables and combined response options, so the data does not fully correspond to the questionnaire.
For anonymisation purposes, the country of residence of two respondents was removed from the data at FSD.
The archived data set does not include the responses to the final part of the survey (Part 7).
Weighting
There are no weight variables in the data.
Citation Requirement
The data and its creators shall be cited in all publications and presentations for which the data have been used. The bibliographic citation may be in the form suggested by the archive or in the form required by the publication.
Bibliographical Citation
Hekanaho, Laura (University of Helsinki): Generic and Nonbinary Pronouns in English: Use and Attitudes 2017 [dataset]. Data version 1.0 (2026-01-15). Finnish Social Science Data Archive [distributor]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd4034; URN: https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD4034
Deposit Requirement
Notify FSD of all publications where you have used the data by sending the citation information to user-services.fsd@tuni.fi.
Special Terms and Conditions for Access
Users of the data shall cite the following publication: Hekanaho, Laura (2020). Generic and nonbinary pronouns: Usage, acceptability and attitudes. Doctoral dissertation (monograph), University of Helsinki. https://helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/321581
Disclaimer
The original data creators and the archive bear no responsibility for any results or interpretations arising from the reuse of the data.
Related Materials
Related Publications
Study description in machine readable DDI-C 2.5 format
Metadata record is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.