I think the problem, to a very large degree, is that women are expected to be men. We create predictions about what people will do based on what we have encountered in the world. These predictions can be based on direct experience, as well as on representations in society and culture. These are the past truths, half-truths and untruths that we have picked up to help us get on with life quickly [4].
The determination to create rules results in confirmation bias , where information that fits in with preconceived ideas is readily accepted, but information that challenges our beliefs is ignored [6]. We all create stereotypes, which manifest themselves as unconscious bias.
In fact, studies have shown that people who believe they are objective, or that they are not sexist, are less objective and more likely to behave in a sexist way [7]. Gender stereotypes were first catalogued in the United States in the s. They were based on the characteristics reported as being the most socially desirable in women and men. Women and girls who step outside of proscribed gender rules risk rejection, judgment and violence. Rigid gender roles also cause serious and far-reaching consequences for men and boys, such as negative impacts upon their self-perception and ability to form healthy, egalitarian relationships.
While boys and men gain social status, power and privileges when they follow gender rules, they are severely punished through gender-based discrimination for breaking them see Homophobia and Gender-Based Discrimination. In a sense, everyone is targeted by sexism through gender expectations that limit our ability to be fully ourselves and fully human. Women and girls, men and boys all fall prey to these restrictions. However, it is important to note that sexism is a specific form of systemic injustice against girls and women; those who adhere to traditional feminine gender norms gain acceptance but lose social status and power.
Gender norms constitute a kind of box in which all men and women are expected to live according to their biological sex. If they step out of that box they may experience gender-based discrimination. They can lead to blatant expressions of misogyny, disdain and hatred of women, their sexuality and everything that is considered feminine which may be perpetrated either by girls and women or by boys and men , for example:.
See Fadia. Sexism can also be manifested through direct physical and sexual interpersonal violence by boys and men against women and girls, for example:. See Miyanda. For definitions, see Glossary. Male dominance and misogyny are not always explicitly aggressive. Even though this type of sexism can have a positive tone or attitude, it is nonetheless undermining to women.
This plays out continually in writing letters of recommendation. For instance, a man and woman I know worked together on a highly visible project for their company, and both were assertive, results-oriented, hardworking, competitive, persuasive, collaborative, inclusive, intuitive, empathetic and kind. Each asked their vice president for a letter of recommendation for different promotion opportunities within the same organization.
What happened next is more common than we would like to think. The letter for the male employee included words like assertive, results-oriented, hardworking, competitive and persuasive, while the woman's letter primarily included words like collaborative, inclusive, intuitive, empathetic and kind.
They were both glowing letters, but very different. Can this letter disadvantage the woman? Of course, and many studies have found this to be the case.
The underlying objective of sexism toward women — whether conscious or not — is to maintain the current system of men having more power than women. Of course, some women may respond more positively to benevolent sexism, as it is perceived as kinder and more thoughtful. Yet research continues to find that it undermines and threatens women's influence and impact by just being "in the air. I expect this is the same for companies and organizations of all kinds.
The great thing is that when you increase your awareness as an employee, manager or leader, you can immediately start making a positive difference in your own efforts and as an ally to others. Learning is the most foundational element of positive change.
Things can change, and being aware of the various forms of sexism and how they play out in workplaces today is a great start. This is a BETA experience.
0コメント