Abstract

>This contribution focuses on the role language plays in the stabilization of old gender stereotypes. On the basis of Vygotsky s understanding of language as a historically developed medium of thinking and speaking, the gendered semantics of technical and social concepts of work are being uncovered. After an in-depth analysis in terms of historical linguistics and social history, the analysis of texts on occupational studies shows that modern concepts of work convey gender definitions and logics of generalization, whose socio-historical development can be traced back to the Renaissance. The consequences for developmental psychology as well as for the psychology of thought processes arising thereby are thoroughly discussed.