Sexism
Sexism refers to prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination, based on
gender or sex. It is typically targeted against girls and women.
What is sexism?
Sexism is based on the notion that women are inferior to men and that
women and men have different roles to play in society. The
dominating sexist assumption is that men are inherently superior to
women because of their sex, and thus more valuable.
This idea can be defined as the baseline of gender stereotypes and
the building stone for hierarchical thinking.
Sexism can be conscious and unconscious, benevolent and hostile,
depending on the context. It can manifest as unconscious bias and
target any individual or social group. However, it is most often women
who are affected by sexism.
The definition of sexism and its
origin
Prejudice or discrimination based on sex, especially against women
and girls, is the most basic definition of sexism. The term is thought to
have emerged during the 1960’s women’s rights movement. It sets
barriers for what men and women, boys and girls, can and should
do, and what they can’t and should not do.
The concept of sexism was originally intended to raise awareness
about the discrimination of girls and women. However, for the past 20
years it has been continuously expanded to include other minority
groups, such as intersex and transgender individuals, genderfluid
people, and even boys and men.
How sexism reinforces patriarchal
societal structures
Sexism is an effective vehicle for reinforcing patriarchal prerogatives
through the oppression of girls and women. This may take on many
different forms, such as stereotyped socialization, economic
exploitation and the upholding of traditional gender roles.
According to traditional gender roles in patriarchal societies, women
and men are different, and their roles are defined as such. According
to this view, women should be relegated to domestic duties and
childbearing.
They are expected to prioritize the home and raising children.
Contrary to this, men are expected to prioritize work and provide for
the family.
This has led to women being grossly underrepresented in leadership
roles and systematically paid less than men, even when they carry out
the same work.
The cost of sexism
Sexism creates inequality, reinforces harmful stereotypes and
perpetuates gender-based violence. According to a study made by the
OECD, the economic cost of institutional gender discrimination
worldwide is 12 trillion dollars, roughly 16 % of the world’s global
income.
This means that gradually reducing gender-based discrimination could
lead to an annual average increased of our global GDP growth rate of
up to 0.6 percent by 2030.
Tackling discriminatory practices should be a key factor for national
development strategies. However, this can only be achieved by
actively focusing on gender equality and challenging harmful gender
norms.
This requires collaborative efforts, policy reforms, and targeted
interventions that dismantle gender biases, empower marginalized
groups, and promote equal access to education, healthcare,
employment, and decision-making.
Examples of sexism
Sexism can be found in almost all aspects of daily life. Here are some
examples:
● Gender-biased treatment in the context of education: male
students are more often encouraged to study science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) than female
students. This has led to the underrepresentation of women in
these fields of study.
● Gender disparities in the workplace: Women still face pay
gaps, limited opportunities for professional growth, and hiring
biases across many different industries. They also encounter
gender-based harassment.
● Objectification and sexualization: Women are frequently
objectified and judged based on their appearance. This can lead
to discrimination, harassment, and a devaluation of women’s
worth beyond their physical attributes.
● Political underrepresentation: Women are often
underrepresented in political leadership roles. This reduces their
ability to influence decision-making processes and shine a
spotlight on gender-specific issues.
