Sexism is an attitude based on the supposed inferiority of women as a group, behavior that has developed throughout history by sociological factors, until it completely oppresses women simply because they are women.
Today, this attitude is generally not expressed openly in many Western societies, most of them try to prevent or combat this behavior, however, in much of the world, such as machismo, sexism remains deeply entrenched.
- Gender bias has evolved considerably in recent decades.
- Among today’s theories is the distinction proposed by psychologists Swin.
- Aikin.
- Hall and Hunter.
- Then we’ll present it in more detail.
First, it is necessary to distinguish between ancient sexism and modern sexism. Ancient sexism would be the traditional conception of the role of women as inferior to men. Modern sexism, on the other hand, is characterized mainly by opposition to feminist demands.
This attitude is based on the belief that women are no longer discriminated against, so any feminist policy or action would be useless.
In addition, recently, what has been called neosexism. This theory reflects the conflict that exists in many people: women’s egalitarian values versus the feelings of male superiority that remain in relation to them.
Psychologists Glick and Fiske attempted to apply sexism in an analysis similar to that performed with contemporary theories about racial prejudice, however, the peculiarity of the relationship between men and women makes it difficult to apply theories of racial prejudice to sexists.
There is therefore a paradox: the relationship between men and women involved domination and subordination, but at the same time, this type of interaction did not prevent the formation of intimate and family relationships.
The man could reject women at work, but welcome them home. Ambivalence towards women is a clear reflection of racial ambivalence.
Developed by Glick and Fiske (1996-2001), it is the most influential theory of sexism today and is based on ambivalence. Relationships between men and women, throughout history and today, have been characterized by dependence.
In this sense two types of sexism would coexist
In benevolent sexism, women are positively valued as different, but framed in certain roles. In hostile sexism, women are assigned characteristics for which they are criticized.
Ultimately, both forms aim to legitimize and reinforce gender inequality.
Today, due to the development of fundamental rights in many (mainly Western) societies, feminism and the struggle for equality are at its peak.
Feminism is a social and political movement born in the late eighteenth century that involves the conscience of women as a group.
Through the movement, women express the oppression, domination and exploitation of those who were and continue to be patriarchy. Feminism seeks to free yourself from your sex.
There is still a lot of inequality in the world, gender-based prejudice, gender-based violence and sexual crimes continue to manifest themselves every day, so it is important to be aware of reality and act to change it.
There are legal measures to prevent and combat sexual and hate crimes related to gender-based violence, however, the most important thing in this regard is not to sanction, but to educate.
It is essential to teach from an early age that respect, tolerance and equality are fundamental rights, in this way the development of a society can be promoted without prejudice.