A proposal is a formal suggestion or plan, often written, that asks someone to agree to an idea, project, or relationship.
From Latin *proponere* 'to put forward', via Old French *proposer*. It literally meant putting an idea out in front of others.
Every proposal—whether for a business deal or marriage—is an idea you place in front of someone and wait to see if they pick it up. The risk isn’t just in the plan; it’s in exposing what you want.
In professional settings, proposals for funding, publication, or promotion have historically been evaluated with gender bias, often favoring men’s submissions. In social contexts like marriage proposals, norms have often assigned the initiating role to men.
Use "proposal" neutrally and avoid assuming a particular gender as the default proposer in either professional or personal contexts.
["plan","submission","offer"]
In discussing institutional proposals, note that women and other marginalized groups have often had to submit stronger proposals to receive comparable consideration, and their successes reflect overcoming biased evaluation systems.
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