sh 85127538 Statesmen:
CHANGE 150 $a Statespeople
ADD 450 $w nne $a Statesmen
ADD 450 $a Statespersons
550 $w g $a Public officers
670 Random House $b (“a person who is experienced in the art of government or versed in the administration of government affairs”; “a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues”)
ADD 670 $a Oxford English Dictionary Online, viewed November 20, 2019 $b (Statesman: a person (esp. a man) who takes a leading part in the affairs of a state; a skilled, experienced, and respected politician; Statesperson: a statesman or stateswoman (often used as a gender-neutral form); Statespeople: statesmen or stateswomen collectively)
ADD 670 $a Macmillan Dictionary Online, viewed March 1, 2021 $b (Stateperson; an experienced political leader that many people respect. Plural: Statespeople or Statespersons)
Comments:
It seems LCSH is using “Statesmen” generically rather than specifically for Male statespeople; and if that is what is meant, then I think it should be revised. There is a separate heading Stateswomen (sh 00003159), to which we might add 550 $w g $a Statespeople. So alternately, retain Statesmen (sh 85127538) and add new heading Statespeople as broader term to both Statesmen and Stateswomen.
This would be following the pattern of other LCSH revisions toward gender inclusive terminology for occupations or other classes of persons. There appear to be over 100 other related LSCH using the word “Statesmen” that would have to be revised, too.
This term also seems vague and difficult to distinguish from other terms like Politicians and Public officers.