Lakoff's "Language and Woman's Place"

Lakoff’s "Language and Woman’s Place" examines how language reflects and reinforces gender roles and power dynamics. She argues that women's speech patterns—such as politeness, hedging, and less assertiveness—are shaped by societal expectations, often signaling submission or social insignificance. These linguistic differences, she suggests, contribute to gender inequality by limiting women’s perceived authority and influence in communication. Overall, the work highlights how language both mirrors and sustains social inequalities between men and women.