Final answer:
The statement reflects gender stereotypes and demeaning language toward men who are seen as submissive to their partners, reinforcing traditional gender roles and contributing to gender inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Frank can't come out to the bar with us tonight because his wife has him on a short leash. He is so henpecked!" exemplifies A) Gender stereotypes and demeaning language. Language like "on a short leash" and "henpecked" carries negative connotations and reinforces traditional gender roles that view men as submissive when adhering to their partners' wishes. Such terms can be seen as belittling and contributing to gender inequality by imposing expectations on how men and women are supposed to behave within a marital context. This perspective mirrors long-held societal conceptions where men were expected to care for outside responsibilities, and women for domestic ones. Despite the evolution in society's views and women's rights, prescriptive stereotypes continue to limit the behavior and roles that are deemed acceptable for each gender, often marginalizing those who do not conform.