Female forms of occupational names (feminativa) – is there a need to use them in sex education?

The paper at issue presents the social functioning of Polish female forms of occupational names (feminativa), as well as their role in the process of sex education, also in relation to perpetration of gender stereotypes. In the first part of the paper, a summary of the historical changes in the usage of feminativa is provided. Next, the usage of feminativa is described in relation to the theoretical basis of sex education, including the development of behavioral patterns. The analysis of linguistic, psychological and psychosexual factors enabled the Authors to show the impact of language on the perception of reality and of the subject’s place within the surrounding environment. Moreover, the Authors conducted the analysis of the role of feminativa in identity construction and in gender discrimination prevention. The paper at issue presents the cultural contexts of language use and its importance for the wellbeing of an individual. Additionally, the paper shows the basis of treating inclusive language as a form of support of the psychological and psychosexual development.