Alicante Journal of English Studies / Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses is committed to implementing gender policies that lead to real equality between women and men in our society. This commitment is reflected in a number of key actions.

1 Editorial participation

The journal will take measures to ensure a balanced gender representation, both on the journal’s different boards and among referees.

2 Use of inclusive language

Alicante Journal of English Studies / Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses recommends using inclusive language in scientific articles, in order to take into account the presence and situation of women in society and in accordance with the principle of gender equality. In this sense, authors are encouraged to use gender-neutral rather than masculine terms to refer to classes or groups of individuals, whether male or female. It is also advisable to add explanatory phrases or, when none of the above is possible, make explicit reference to both women and men in the text.

For further details about alternatives and recommendations, see the United Nations website ("Gender-inclusive language").

3 Sex and gender in research

When writing research works, authors must avoid gender stereotypes and biases whereby men are regarded as the universal point of reference, biological differences are exacerbated or socially constructed differences are seen as natural. They must also consider the sex variable in research of any kind concerning persons, animals, tissues or cells, which involves:

1. Reflecting and making well-founded decisions on sample composition by sex and providing information about the sex of the subjects analysed.
2. Analysing existing differences within each sex and presenting results disaggregated by sex.

For more information, see the "Gender in EU-funded research" toolkit.