Sage Journals Best Practices and Resources for Inclusive Language
By Sara Parker
As a publisher, we understand that words matter. Language helps us express ourselves, create communities, explain new ideas, and spread information. Unfortunately, language also can be hurtful and harmful. Sage’s diversity, equity, and inclusion pledges include encouraging diverse and equitable language and educating ourselves, our editors, and our societies. We believe that inclusive language is an important and powerful way to ensure people feel welcomed, respected, safe, and able to fully engage with the research Sage publishes. With these pledges in mind, we have created an inclusive language guide for editors, reviewers, and authors.
The guide is broken down into some of the most prevalent categories and topics in inclusive language. Through our experience as a publisher and through respected resources, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), we have found that it is especially important to choose language carefully, thoughtfully, and sensitively when it comes to topics like age, appearance, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, and socioeconomic status. First and foremost, it is important to understand that people may have their own preferences and ways of self-identifying. Whenever possible, before referring to a group of people, characteristic, or other identifying language, we should ask or find out what their preferred terms are. For example, some groups may prefer person-first language while other groups may not (e.g., people with autism vs. autistic people). For ease of use, we have organized the guide into recommended language and language to avoid for each category, but, again, it is best practice to refer to the language individual people and groups prefer.
Guidance for Authors
As you design your studies, questionnaires, surveys, manuscripts, etc., carefully consider what language you use. Be as inclusive as possible with your language and avoid stereotypes and outdated terms and phrases. Whenever possible, ask individuals and groups how they would like to be identified. During the peer review, revision, and production processes, be open to feedback on your language.
Guidance for Reviewers
It is important to be kind and respectful during the review process. If you notice bias or outdated language, point it out to authors in a way they can understand and implement. Be specific and point to references to help them make the recommended changes.
Guidance for Editors
Be sure to review manuscripts for inclusive language at all stages. Be clear in manuscript guidelines, editorial policies, and feedback to authors. Explain why it is important to use inclusive language and to welcome people from all groups.
Finally, this guide, by nature, is not comprehensive, but we hope it will be a useful starting point. We welcome feedback and suggestions on any terminology found here. You may send your comments to us via this anonymous form.
About the Author
