Y07W20VC Theme Words — Gender & equality

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Gender & equality. The words in this set are used when discussing identity, representation, fairness, discrimination, and the pursuit of equal rights and opportunities. Many of these terms appear in social science, journalism and academic texts. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with questions of fairness, identity, and inclusion.

Word in Context (Theme: Gender & equality)

These three words connect to the theme of Gender & equality. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with more precise, thoughtful language.

stereotype

/ˈster.i.ə.taɪp/ or /ˈstɪr‑/

ster‑e‑o‑type

noun, verb | [stereotype – stereotyped – stereotyped]

A fixed, oversimplified belief or image of a group of people; or to categorise someone based on stereotypes.

Word family: stereotyped (adj.), stereotypical (adj.)

Example: Gender stereotypes often limit career choices for both boys and girls.

Synonyms: cliché, generalisation, preconception

Collocations: gender stereotype, challenge stereotype, perpetuate stereotype

inequality

/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti/

in‑e‑qual‑i‑ty

noun

The state of being unequal; unfair or uneven distribution of opportunities, rights, or resources.

Word family: unequal (adj.), equally (adv.), inequality (n.)

Example: Income inequality remains a significant challenge in many countries.

Synonyms: disparity, imbalance, unfairness

Collocations: gender inequality, income inequality, address inequality

challenge

/ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/

chal‑lenge

noun, verb | [challenge – challenged – challenged]

To question or dispute something; to call into question or openly resist.

Word family: challenger (n.), challenging (adj.)

Example: Activists challenge gender stereotypes through education and advocacy.

Synonyms: question, dispute, contest

Collocations: challenge stereotype, challenge assumption, challenge the idea

Academic Vocab

claim

/kleɪm/

claim

noun, verb | [claim – claimed – claimed]

To state that something is true; or an assertion or statement made without necessarily having proof.

Word family: claimant (n.), claimed (adj.)

Example: The research claims that gender bias exists in workplace hiring.

Synonyms: assert, state, maintain

Collocations: make a claim, claim that, claim to

assert

/əˈsɜːt/

as‑sert

verb | [assert – asserted – asserted]

To state or declare something firmly and with confidence.

Word family: assertion (n.), assertive (adj.)

Example: The student asserted her right to equal treatment in the classroom.

Synonyms: declare, state, maintain

Collocations: assert that, assert a right, assert authority

propose

/prəˈpoʊz/

pro‑pose

verb | [propose – proposed – proposed]

To put forward an idea or plan for consideration; to suggest.

Word family: proposal (n.), proposed (adj.)

Example: The government proposes new legislation to address gender pay gaps.

Synonyms: suggest, put forward, recommend

Collocations: propose a solution, propose an idea, propose change

maintain

/meɪnˈteɪn/

main‑tain

verb | [maintain – maintained – maintained]

To keep something in the same state or condition; to assert or claim persistently.

Word family: maintenance (n.), maintained (adj.)

Example: The organisation maintains that all people deserve equal opportunities.

Synonyms: assert, uphold, support

Collocations: maintain standards, maintain that, maintain equality

contend

/kənˈtend/

con‑tend

verb | [contend – contended – contended]

To claim or argue that something is true; to compete or struggle.

Word family: contention (n.), contentious (adj.)

Example: Many activists contend that education access is a gender equality issue.

Synonyms: argue, claim, maintain

Collocations: contend that, contend for, contend with

X argues that

/eks ˈɑː.ɡjuːz ðæt/

X ar‑gues that

phrase (discourse marker)

A writing function phrase used to introduce someone's argument or claim in academic text.

Example: Smith argues that workplace policies must be designed to ensure equal pay.

Synonyms: X claims that, X maintains that, X contends that

Collocations: argues that, argues for, argues against

Confusing Words

however vs although

These words both introduce contrast, but they work differently in sentences. 'However' is a connecting adverb that often begins a new sentence or independent clause; 'although' is a conjunction that introduces a dependent clause within a sentence.

  • however — however' is a connecting adverb that introduces contrast. It often appears at the start of a new sentence, clause, or after a semicolon. Example: 'Women make up 50% of the workforce. However, they are underrepresented in leadership roles.' Or: 'The policy seemed fair; however, further analysis revealed problems.'
  • although — although' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause showing contrast within a single sentence. Example: 'Although women are underrepresented in leadership, many are excellent managers.' 'Although progress has been made, much work remains.'

Memory rule: Can you start a new sentence with it? Use however (usually with a semicolon before it if it's mid-sentence). If it connects two ideas in one sentence and one idea depends on the other, use although. However = sentence starter (new sentence or semicolon); although = within one sentence.