As a noun, the head is the top part of the body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. As a verb, to head means to move in a particular direction or to be in charge of something.
From Old English “heafod,” meaning head or top, related to Germanic words for the same body part. Its sense of “leader” comes from the idea of the head as the top or controlling part.
English loves using “head” metaphorically: head of state, headline, head start, headcount. It treats the head as the symbol of control, direction, and identity all at once.
Leadership titles like 'head of household' or 'headmaster' have historically been coded male in many cultures, reflecting legal and social norms that positioned men as default leaders. This has influenced expectations about who should be 'head' of organizations or families.
Use gender-neutral leadership titles like 'head of department' or 'headteacher' without assuming the role is male. Avoid using 'head of household' as a proxy for 'man of the house'.
["leader","director","chief","head of department"]
When describing institutional leadership, acknowledge women and gender minorities who have served as heads of organizations even when not historically recognized as such.
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