Signaling inclusion, shaping gender equality: effects of the point médian in French job advertisements

Abstract

This study investigates how inclusive writing in French job advertisements, specifically point médian and coordinations, affects key recruitment-related perceptions. It examines how these linguistic forms shape perceived gender representation in the company and the advertised role, and whether they influence job attractiveness, perceived personal skills and anticipated belongingness. We conducted an online mixed-method experimental study testing wording (generic masculine vs inclusive writing) within-participants, and inclusive writing form (point médian vs coordinations) between-participants. One hundred and eighty-four native French speakers evaluated 12 job advertisements (6 generic masculine and 6 inclusive writing) and gave 5 measures: perceived percentage of women in the company and in the job, job attractiveness, perceived personal skills and anticipated belongingness. Inclusive forms increased estimates of women's representation in the company and in the job compared to the generic masculine. However, only the point médian significantly enhanced perceived personal skills, job attractiveness and anticipated belongingness, whereas coordinations influenced only anticipated belongingness. No systematic gender differences emerged. Drawing on signaling theory and the instrumental-symbolic framework for recruitment, this study contributes to research on employer branding and inclusive language by demonstrating the symbolic signaling role of the point médian in French job advertisements, as a socially salient and politically charged typographic form that enhances organizational attractiveness.