Taxonomic reparation and plain language: possible convergences for the promotion of gender equality in Wikipedia’s Knowledge Organization

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1518-2924.2025.e106524

Keywords:

Knowledge Organization, Taxonomic repairation, Plain language, Gender, Wikipedia

Abstract

Objective: Gender issues have historically been marginalized within Knowledge Organization Systems, reflecting dominant social structures and perpetuating gender stereotypes. Wikipedia, as one of the main sources of global information, is not exempt from such asymmetries. In this context, the present study aims to investigate possible intersections between taxonomic repair and plain language, focusing on their contributions to mitigating gender inequalities in the organization of knowledge on digital platforms.

Methods: This is a qualitative study with a descriptive-exploratory approach. The analysis focused on two versions of Wikipedia: the English and the Simple English version.

Results: The research identified the Women in Red initiative, which seeks to increase the presence of women in the encyclopedia by providing specific guidelines for the creation of entries, particularly biographical ones. However, it was observed that the Simple English Wikipedia lacks guiding tools for the production of content about women, revealing a significant gap in that version.

Conclusions: Simple English Wikipedia aims to broaden access to information, particularly for audiences with varying levels of literacy. In this regard, the absence of specific guidelines for the representation of women undermines its mission. Developing guides could contribute to a more equitable and gender-sensitive approach within the platform.

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Author Biographies

Isabela Correa Macena, São Paulo State University

Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Information Science at Universidade Estadual Paulista.

Franciele Marques Redigolo, São Paulo State University

Assistant Professor, Department of Information Science, Faculty of Philosophy and Sciences, UNESP Marília.

Maria José Vicentini Jorente, São Paulo State University

Adjunct Professor in Full Dedication to Teaching and Research at Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Faculty of Philosophy and Sciences - FFC - Marília Campus, Department of Information Science.

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Published

2025-09-25

How to Cite

MACENA, Isabela Correa; REDIGOLO, Franciele Marques; JORENTE, Maria José Vicentini. Taxonomic reparation and plain language: possible convergences for the promotion of gender equality in Wikipedia’s Knowledge Organization. Encontros Bibli: electronic journal of library science, archival science and information science, Florianópolis/SC, Brasil, v. 30, p. 1–21, 2025. DOI: 10.5007/1518-2924.2025.e106524. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/eb/article/view/106524. Acesso em: 7 dec. 2025.