Unisex

Not to be confused withIntersex.

For species with only one sex, seeGonochorism.

Unisexis anadjectiveindicating something is not sex-specific, i.e. is suitable for any type ofsex.The term can also meangender-blindnessorgender neutrality.

The term 'unisex' was coined in the 1960s and was used fairly informally. The combiningprefixuni-is from Latinunus,meaningoneorsingle.However, 'unisex' seems to have been influenced by words such asunitedanduniversal,in whichuni-takes the related senseshared.Unisex then meansshared by sexes.

Examples

Hair stylistsandbeauty salonsthat serve both men and women are often referred to as unisex.This is also typical of other services and products that had traditionally been separated by sexes, such as clothing shops or beauty products.Public toiletsare commonlysex segregatedbut if that is not the case, they are referred to asunisex public toilets.Unisex clothingincludes garments like T-shirts; versions of other garments may be tailored for the different fits depending on one'ssex,such as jeans. The sharing of a pool or recreational facility by swimmers and others of various sexes is commonly referred to asmixed bathing.When a school admits students of various sexes, it may be called coeducational or amixed-sex school.

See also

• Mixed-sex education
• Mixed bathing
• Unisex name
• Unisex public toilet
• Gender role
• Gender mainstreaming