sexism
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Sexism
Gender Belief System
Beliefs about one’s own gender roles
Perceptions of role violators
Gender role attitudes
Beliefs about sexual orientation
Gender stereotypes
Gender Stereotypes Much research done in 1960s & 70s Agentic/Instrumental—men
Independence, strength, self-confidence
Communal/Expressive—women Emotional, helpful, kind
Gender polarization
Common Gender Stereotypes: TraitsBeliefs about Women Able to devote self to
others Aware of others’ feelings Emotional Helpful Gentle Kind Understanding Warm
Beliefs about Men Active Can make decisions easily Competitive Feels superior Independent Never gives up easily Self-confident Stands up well under
pressure
Common Gender Stereotypes: RolesBeliefs about Women Cooks the meals Does the household
shopping Does laundry Is fashion conscious Source of emotional
support Takes care of children Tends the house
Beliefs about Men Assumes financial
obligations Head of household Financial provider Leader Responsible for household
repairs Takes initiative in sexual
relations Watches sports on
television
Common Gender Stereotypes: Physical CharacteristicsBeliefs about Women Beautiful Cute Dainty Gorgeous Graceful Petite Pretty Sexy Soft voice
Beliefs about Men Athletic Brawny Broad-shouldered Burly Muscular Physically strong Physically vigorous Rugged Tall
Common Gender Stereotypes: Cognitive AbilitiesBeliefs about Women Artistic Creative Expressive Imaginative Intuitive Perceptive Tasteful Verbally skilled
Beliefs about Men Analytical Exact Good at abstractions Good at numbers Good at problem solving Good with reasoning Mathematical Quantitatively skilled
Feminism “Feminism is the radical notion that women
are people.” “I myself have never been able to find out
precisely what feminism is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat…”—Rebecca West
Feminism “Are you a feminist”?
“No, but I believe in women’s rights.” Implications
Evolution of Ms.
Consequences of Sexism and Anti-Feminism Men currently comprise:
85% of tenured university professors 89% membership in the US House and 90% in the US
Senate 95% of Fortune 500 CEOs 99.9% of athletic team owners
At the current rate of increase, it will take 459 years (until 2466) before women are as equally represented at the top of the career ladder as they are at the bottom.
Sticky floor, Glass ceiling, and Glass elevator