Why the Fed Switched Back to ‘Chairman’
When Kevin Warsh became the new head of the Federal Reserve in May, he made a surprising change. Instead of using the gender-neutral title “chair,” he chose to be called “chairman.” This move reversed a trend that started in 2014, when Janet Yellen, the first woman to lead the Fed, adopted “chair.” Jerome Powell followed that practice. Now, the Fed has returned to “chairman,” and news outlets have followed suit. While it may seem like a small detail, research shows that words like “chairman” shape how we think about who belongs in power. This article explains why the title matters and what it means for the future of leadership.
The History of ‘Chairman’ at the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve first moved away from “chairman” in 2014. Janet Yellen chose “chair” to be more inclusive. Jerome Powell kept that title during his term. But in May, Kevin Warsh took over and brought back “chairman.” The Fed updated its website, and news organizations quickly changed their language. A Fed spokesperson declined to comment on why Warsh preferred the older title.
There is no law that says the Fed leader must be called “chairman.” The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 does use the word “chairman,” but that was written long before a woman could hold the role. In contrast, other government groups have moved toward gender-neutral terms. For example, in 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives changed its rules to replace “chairman” with “chair.”
Why ‘Man’ Is Not Neutral
Some people argue that “chairman” is gender-neutral because “man” once meant “person.” But research shows that’s not true. When words like “man” or “mankind” are used for everyone, they still make people think of men first. That’s why we hear phrases like “woman chairman.” A 1980 review of studies found that using “man” for all people supports sexist thinking. The authors said reducing its use could lower sexist attitudes over time.
What Research Says About Job Titles
- Mental images: Words like “chairman” make people picture a man in charge.
- Stereotypes: Leaders called “chairman” are seen as more rational and assertive—traits linked to men.
- Belonging: Gender-neutral titles help everyone feel they can fill a role.
How ‘Chairman’ Affects Perceptions of Leaders
Studies show that a leader called “chairman” is viewed as more intelligent, independent, and analytical than someone called “chairperson.” That’s because these traits are often associated with men. For a male leader like Warsh, using “chairman” may seem smart. But women don’t get the same benefits.
Research also finds that women called “chairman” are more likely to be forgotten than men with the same title. If a woman chooses “chairwoman,” she faces negative stereotypes about female leaders. The bigger problem is that using “chairman” makes people automatically think a man belongs in the role. This creates an extra hurdle for women who want to lead the Fed.
How Titles Affect Children
Children don’t understand that masculine terms can apply to both genders. Studies show that kids interpret job titles like “fireman,” “weatherman,” and “policeman” as only for men. Researchers say changing the language of work could expand the career choices children consider. If you want your daughter to think she can be a leader, don’t call the job “chairman.”
What If We Used Race Instead of Gender?
To see why gender in job titles is strange, imagine if we used race instead. In a famous 1986 essay, author Douglas Hofstadter asked readers to picture a world where “white” was the generic term for all people. In that world, we’d say “freshwhite,” “chairwhite,” and “whitepower.” The Declaration of Independence would say “all whites are created equal.” Those words sound ridiculous and racist. Hofstadter’s point is clear: including race or gender in job titles signals that some people belong more than others.
Why This Matters for the Future
The next Federal Reserve leader could be a woman. The language we use should make that possibility feel normal, not surprising. By choosing “chairman” over “chair,” we send a message about who belongs in power. Research shows that words shape our thoughts, stereotypes, and sense of belonging. Choosing inclusive language isn’t just polite—it helps create a world where everyone can imagine themselves as a leader.
Key takeaway: Words matter. The title “chairman” may seem small, but it influences how we see leaders, how children dream, and who gets a fair chance at the top job.
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