The Impact of Inclusive Language on Tech’s Diversity Gap

Explore the unique importance of inclusive language in the technology industry and its impact on representation.

Language holds immense power. Words are the way we understand the world around us. They’re the method we use to “translate” and “transmit” our thoughts and feelings to others. However, that power goes both ways—words can be used to influence our perception of the world (and others) by creating or reinforcing biases.

Inclusive language plays a pivotal role in fostering a diverse, equitable, and accessible environment. I’ll explore the unique importance of inclusive language in the technology industry by highlighting its impact on representation, reviewing some common industry terms that could be improved, and ways language can improve accessibility design.

But first, I want to explain why this is important to BizStream.

DEI at BizStream

At the very top of our About page, you’ll see a single sentence: “It’s always about the people, whether it’s clients, employees and their families, or our communities.” It’s the first thing you see because it’s the most important thing to us. We have an entire page dedicated to our community involvement, and we’ve even been named an Inclusive Workplace by Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine. We strive to make positive impacts within our organization, within our communities, and within the technology industry—and at the center of it all is making sure that people feel empowered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) drives innovation, creates a better work environment, improves customer understanding, and enhances decision-making. By embracing DEI, organizations can tap into a variety of perspectives, attract top talent, and develop products that meet the diverse needs of their customers. But it’s more than just commercial success to us—we believe that a fair and inclusive workplace aligns with our principles of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Minority Representation in the Tech Industry​

The technology industry has long struggled to create inclusive and equitable environments. Statistics reveal that women, people of color, and individuals from other marginalized communities are often underrepresented in tech roles and leadership positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, African American individuals accounted for 7.9% of the computer and mathematical occupations workforce in the United States, despite representing 14.9% of the population. Hispanic/Latino individuals represented 8.4% in those same occupations, while making up 16% of the population.

In that same study, women represented only about 26.5% of the computer and mathematical occupations workforce.

Inclusive language is a crucial step toward dismantling these barriers. By using language that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity, we create a more welcoming industry that encourages participation and bridges the representation gap.

Examples of Improving Inclusive Language​

  1. Blacklist/Whitelist: These terms are often used in cybersecurity or software development to refer to lists of allowed or denied entities. However, they can reinforce racial stereotypes by associating “black” with something negative and “white” with something positive. Alternatives like “blocklist,” and “allowlist,” or “denylist” are more inclusive and don’t perpetuate racial bias.

  2. Master/Slave: Historically, this terminology has been used in technology to describe the relationship between primary and secondary devices or components. However, it carries connotations of oppression and reinforces harmful power dynamics. Adopting neutral terms like “primary/secondary,” “leader/follower,” or “parent/child” avoids perpetuating negative associations.

  3. Grandfathered: This term is commonly used in software licensing or policy contexts to refer to exemptions granted to existing users or systems. However, it originates from discriminatory voting laws that allowed only descendants of eligible voters to vote. Replacing it with terms like “legacy status” or “existing status” ensures inclusivity without invoking discriminatory historical practices.

  4. Man Hours: This term, used to estimate the effort or duration of a task, assumes that only men are involved in the work. Instead, use gender-neutral alternatives such as “work hours” or “hours of effort” to avoid excluding or marginalizing individuals based on gender.

  5. Grooming (in Agile/Scrum): The term “grooming” is often used to describe the process of refining or preparing items in a backlog for development. However, the term can carry negative connotations due to its association with inappropriate behavior. Consider using alternative terms like “backlog refinement,” “backlog review,” or “planning session” to ensure more inclusive and respectful language.


By actively identifying and replacing non-inclusive language with more inclusive alternatives, we can foster an environment that promotes equality, respect, and inclusivity within the technology industry. It is essential to be mindful of the impact our language choices can have and continuously strive for improvement.

Inclusive Language in Design Accessibility​

Inclusive language also has a direct line to designing for accessibility. Using clear, concise, and inclusive terminology ensures that digital interfaces and content are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

  1. Alternative Text (Alt Text): When designing websites or applications, using alt text for images is crucial for inclusivity. Alt text provides a text description of an image, making it accessible to individuals with visual impairments who rely on screen readers. By providing accurate and descriptive alt text, designers ensure that all users, regardless of their visual abilities, can understand the content.
  2. Plain Language: Utilizing plain language in user interfaces and instructional materials improves accessibility for users with cognitive disabilities or those who may have difficulty understanding complex terminology. Clear, concise, and easily understandable language ensures that instructions, error messages, and interface labels are accessible to a broader audience.

 

Learn more about creating an inclusive web experience here.

More Than Buzzwords​

Inclusive language is not just a buzzword; it requires an honest and dedicated approach to make a real impact. I’ve had colleagues in the past roll their eyes at “political correctness” and bemoan any effort of inclusive language. But the thing to keep in mind is that it’s not about checking a box, it’s about being open to the thoughts and feelings of the people around you. It’s about creating a dialogue of transparency, openness, and inclusion to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

About the Author

Brad Grace

Since 2008, Brad has held a variety of roles in media, marketing, communications, IT, and project management for a wide range of global teams. And across them all, Brad believes that effective communication is the key to drive results. His biggest joys are books, films, video games, writing, string instruments, boxing, sailing, and coffee (not necessarily in that order).

The Impact of Inclusive Language on Tech’s Diversity Gap

Explore the unique importance of inclusive language in the technology industry and its impact on representation.

The Impact of Inclusive Language on Tech’s Diversity Gap

Explore the unique importance of inclusive language in the technology industry and its impact on representation.

The Impact of Inclusive Language on Tech’s Diversity Gap

Explore the unique importance of inclusive language in the technology industry and its impact on representation.
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About the Author

Brad Grace

Since 2008, Brad has held a variety of roles in media, marketing, communications, IT, and project management for a wide range of global teams. And across them all, Brad believes that effective communication is the key to drive results. His biggest joys are books, films, video games, writing, string instruments, boxing, sailing, and coffee (not necessarily in that order).

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