The first chapter examines evidence of sexism in English, and the way in which people`s use of language maintains stereotyped images of the sexes. It also discusses various attempts to consciously avoid sexist usages, and describes some efforts that have been made to avoid discriminatory language. The second chapter deals with the theoretical background that influenced women in the feminist movement. It explains the feminist point of view of sexism, whereas the third chapter describes the opinions of those who oppose the feminist ideas. The fourth chapter examines the relationship between language and society. In this chapter I argue that language, on its own, does not play an active role in creating and sustaining the oppression of women. I also point out that by changing whatever is regarded as sexist in language will not necessarily result in neutral language. The fifth chapter considers linguistic reform and examines how effective it is. At the end I come to the conclusion that linguistic reform will not have a significant effect on its own.