Backward means in the direction behind you, or in reverse. As an adjective, it can also describe something as slow to develop or old-fashioned, though that use can be rude.
From “back” plus the directional ending “-ward,” meaning “toward the back.” Over time, the physical direction sense grew new figurative meanings about progress and development.
Calling ideas “backward” is really saying they face the wrong way in time, looking to the past instead of the future. It shows how we secretly imagine progress as walking along a one-way path.
“Backward” has been used pejoratively to describe societies, cultures, or individuals, sometimes targeting women’s education or rights in ways that reinforce stereotypes about ‘advanced’ versus ‘backward’ gender norms.
Avoid calling people or cultures “backward”; instead, describe specific policies or practices and their impacts on gender equity or other rights.
["outdated","regressive","less resourced","under-served"]
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