“Manageuse” is not a word you hear every day in a meeting room. Yet, it is the official recommendation for naming a woman at the head of a team. Meanwhile, in the field, the English word “manager” is taking hold everywhere, regardless of gender. Dictionaries, on the other hand, are trying to broaden the options: “manageure,” “manageureuse”… but practice moves at its own pace.
This ambiguity is not just a matter of vocabulary: it reveals a language that hesitates, searching for its way between clarity, equality, and usage. The result? Several forms coexist, each carrying its own stakes. On one side, the desire to assert a place for women in the workforce; on the other, the reality of an anglicism that clings on, lacking a solid consensus.
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Why does the feminization of job titles spark so much debate in French?
The question of feminizing job titles in France is far from trivial. It touches on representation, access to power, and also on ingrained reflexes in the language. When it comes to naming leadership positions, the debate becomes tense: here, the masculine reigns, and any attempt to feminize the title triggers reactions. It is not just a lexical detail; it reveals a certain discomfort in recognizing the legitimacy of women to lead teams or companies.
In practice, imposing feminized titles also proposes other models: Isabelle Kocher (former CEO of Engie), Anne Rigail (Air France), Julie Walbaum (former Monoprix) do not lead in the shadows. Yet, the language hesitates to offer them a tailored title. In many sectors, the masculine remains the norm, and the feminization of job titles continues to be perceived as a breach, even an ideological battle.
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The debate around the feminine form of the word manager is a perfect example. Here, the French language confronts the necessity to innovate, to integrate new forms, while remaining true to its history. For those who wish to delve deeper into the subject, the feminine form of the word manager is analyzed in detail in “Le féminin de manager et son usage correct en français – Acti Carrière.”
To better understand what the feminization of titles changes, here are three key points to remember:
- The feminization of titles makes visible the women who access leadership or management positions.
- It accompanies an evolution in the relationship to power, highlighting the legitimacy of women’s careers in the company.
- Every word choice sends a signal, both political and social.
Manager, manageuse, or manageure: what does the French language really say?
The word manager arrives in French under the influence of English, which itself borrowed it from Italian and then from Old French. It has established itself in the business world as an obvious term, becoming the generic term to designate the person who leads a team, regardless of gender.
But as soon as it comes to feminizing this title, the references waver. The Académie française has not really made a decision, and practice fills the void left by the institution. Since 2000, the Commission générale de terminologie et de néologie recognizes “manageuse” as a feminine form. However, this word remains rare, overshadowed by the masculine or epicene version already established in professional daily life.
Dictionaries offer several options, as shown by these examples:
- “Manageuse” makes its entry into reference works, alongside “manager” and “manageur.”
- The Larousse and Robert dictionaries accept these variants, but without indicating a clear preference.
In the life of companies, the feminine “manageuse” is rarely displayed. Job postings, organizational charts, email signatures: everywhere, the masculine or the neutral form “manager” dominates. This preference can be explained by habits, but also by the desire to appear international, adaptable, and efficient. Yet, as soon as the feminine is used, it gives additional visibility to those who hold these positions and reminds us that equality has not yet been achieved, neither in titles nor in salary scales.
Practical tips for using the feminine form of “manager” daily without making mistakes
The word manager has established itself in professional jargon, used for both women and men. However, choosing to add the feminine marker is also a way to assert a desire for recognition and equality. Several options exist if you want to name a woman who leads a team: “manager,” “manageuse” (officially validated), and sometimes “manageure.” But it must be noted that “manageuse” remains uncommon in the workplace.
To adapt the title to the gender of the person, a few simple reflexes can be adopted. In official documents, on CVs, in LinkedIn profiles, using “manageuse” highlights the reality of female leadership. This choice is particularly relevant during campaigns on parity or when one wishes to highlight female career paths. In certain sectors, the neutrality of “manager” persists, especially in international groups where English prevails.
An alternative is to favor terms like “cheffe” or “responsable,” which are unambiguous regarding gender, while also fitting into the dynamic of feminizing professions. Even if the use of the feminine remains minority, it contributes to giving a visible place to women in leadership roles. It also reminds us, with figures to back it up, that the pay gap continues to disadvantage female managers, nearly 22% in France. The adoption of feminized titles does not solve everything, but it contributes to building a more equitable professional environment, where every word counts.
Changing a title sometimes opens the door to other possibilities. Language moves forward, step by step, at the pace of those who make it evolve. Who knows what we will write tomorrow, on the office door or in the organizational chart?