Critical language theory plays a big part in the study of gender as well.

According to the Value Inquiry

Book Series, Gender can be defined as sociocultural interpretation of the significance of sex... The
sex-gender distinction implies that, unlike sex, gender is contingent on social norms. (p. 233)
Feminine oppression is an example that critical theory examines. This is a multiple faceted issue. The
first one being gender stereotypes. When a girl grows up there are many things she is expected to do
and ways she is supposed to act. Things like wearing dresses and being pretty. Everything from what a
girl says, eats, wears, and does is monitored by society from a very young age. Theory believes that this
is due to a male dominated society that wants an aspect of control over women. There is a fair share of
male stereotype oppression as well but women are typically taught to cater to men. With this being
said, some would argue that the differences between men and women on a biological level influence
these stereotypes more than intentional oppression or control. For example men are typically more
aggressive due to testosterone levels and women are more nurturing due to their ability to produce
offspring. But the line where feminine oppression begins is when a woman is forced or feels undue
pressure to live up to the feminine stereotype regardless of what she personally wants to do. Things like
women playing sports or being in power positions can be thought of as a negative thing. History has
shown that women have been oppressed for thousands of years. But only in the past century has
humanity begun to notice the gender inequality and make steps to improving the situation.
The second example of gender oppression is specifically having to do with language. Curse
words play a large part of western culture's every-day communication. Often used as add-ons to a
sentence to express anger or frustration at a person or situation, curse words also reflect the gender
oppression in our culture. Words like bitch, cunt, dick, and asshole are all expletives used in a negative
way towards are person or persons. On the one hand bitch and cunt refer to feminine characteristics in a
negative light. Whereas dick can be used in the same instances but is typically referred to a person who
has more power, and respect is still attributed to that person. Asshole is obviously not gender specific

but still has gained the status as a more male centered word. The point in all of this being that one
would not want to be called a bitch but being called a dick is more acceptable because it doesn't have a
feminine quality. It is quite interesting that feminine gender oppression is so deeply engrained into our
society that we even use it in our curse words.

Source:
Williams, N. M. (2014). Gender Oppression: Global (Mis)treatment of Women:. Value Inquiry Book Series, 276213-214.

The critical language approach is important to every day life. Just by taking a closer look at the things
we say can help with ignorance and inequality. For example, the word Muslim is a huge trigger word
for Americans. We hear that and all kinds of associations come along with it. Terrorist, danger, and 911
are only a few things that come to mind. This is an oppressive way of thinking because it limits
Muslims living in America and ostracizes them from living normal lives. Critical theory is helpful to
me because it allows me to see things how they really are and not just how society or people in power
want them to be.