Decoding Unconscious Bias: Analyzing Language in Job Postings at York University

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dc.contributor.advisorDerayeh, Minoo
dc.contributor.authorSoleimani Esfahaninejad, Fatemeh
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-23T15:25:53Z
dc.date.available2025-07-23T15:25:53Z
dc.date.copyright2025-06-05
dc.date.issued2025-07-23
dc.date.updated2025-07-23T15:25:53Z
dc.degree.disciplineInterdisciplinary Studies
dc.degree.levelMaster's
dc.degree.nameMA - Master of Arts
dc.description.abstractAbstract Unconscious biases in job advertisements can significantly influence equity in recruitment, shaping applicant perceptions and self-selection. Despite commitments to diversity and inclusion, such biases remain underexplored in higher education, especially in unionized contexts. This study analyzes 100 job postings from York University’s YU Hire platform (2023–2025), focusing on YUSA1, YUSA2, and Work/Study categories. Using signaling theory, critical content analysis, and LIWC software, the research identifies linguistic and structural biases in postings. Findings reveal systemic issues such as overemphasis on Canadian credentials, vague diversity statements, and subjective language like “superior communication skills,” disadvantaging international applicants and equity-deserving groups. The presence of inclusive language alongside exclusionary terms sends conflicting signals, undermining York’s DEDI goals. This study offers practical recommendations for inclusive hiring practices and contributes to DEDI strategies by highlighting the importance of actionable commitments, clearer language, and structural alignment with equity values in recruitment processes, particularly within unionized academic institutions
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10315/43085
dc.languageen
dc.rightsAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.
dc.subjectEducation
dc.subjectWomen's studies
dc.subjectCommunication
dc.subject.keywordsUnconscious biases
dc.subject.keywordsJob advertisements
dc.subject.keywordsInclusive hiring
dc.subject.keywordsRecruitment practices
dc.subject.keywordsHigher education
dc.subject.keywordsEquity-deserving groups
dc.subject.keywordsDiversity statements
dc.subject.keywordsCanadian credentials
dc.subject.keywordsBiased language
dc.subject.keywordsUnionized workplaces
dc.subject.keywordsDEDI
dc.titleDecoding Unconscious Bias: Analyzing Language in Job Postings at York University
dc.typeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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