A secretary is a person who helps with office tasks like writing letters, organizing schedules, and keeping records; in government, it can also mean a high official in charge of a department.
From Latin “secretarius” meaning “confidential officer,” from “secretum” meaning “secret.” It originally referred to someone trusted with private matters.
The job began as a keeper of secrets for powerful people, not just a typist or organizer. Even today, a “Secretary of State” is a top official trusted with a country’s most sensitive information.
Historically, 'secretary' was a high-status advisory role often held by men (e.g., royal secretaries). In the late 19th and 20th centuries, it became strongly feminized as clerical work was pushed onto women and stereotyped as subordinate 'women's work.' Media and workplace norms reinforced the image of the secretary as a young woman serving a male boss.
Use 'secretary' neutrally for formal titles (e.g., Secretary of State) and avoid assuming the role is female or subordinate. In office contexts, consider more specific role titles (e.g., administrative assistant, executive assistant) and avoid sexualized or diminutive connotations.
["administrative assistant","executive assistant","office manager","administrator"]
Women in secretarial and clerical roles have historically kept institutions running, often performing complex organizational and knowledge work that was undervalued and under-credited.
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