APS journals avoid the use of language that imparts bias against persons or groups on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.
men
mankind
mothering
change to
humans
human beings
humanity
parenting
caregiving
Use non-sex-specific pronouns. Avoid "he/she" and similar constructions, since they emphasize the problem; change the sentence if possible.
Racial categories should not be used automatically but only when relevant to the study outcomes (e.g., when studying Tay-Sachs disease in Jewish persons with Eastern European ancestry). Follow author's usage for terms such as black, white, and African American.
"American Indian" is generally preferred to the broader term "Native American".
Do not use "Oriental" or "Orientals"; instead use Asian, Asian American, or a similar applicable term.
Avoid labeling/equating people with their disabilities.
bad
schizophrenics
diabetics
asthmatics
epileptics
good
persons with schizophrenia (diabetes, etc.)
persons suffering from...
persons affected by...
Avoid the word "victim".
AIDS victim
change to
person with AIDS
Avoid using "gays" as a noun. Use "homosexual men" instead.
last edited 07/31/03