sexism
unfair treatment based on gender
Treating someone unfairly because they are a man or a woman.
sexism against [group]; sexism in [place/industry]; experience sexism
- She reported sexism after being repeatedly passed over for promotion in favor of less qualified men.
- The organization introduced new policies to address sexism and harassment.
- He apologized for the sexist remark and said he would do better.
- Sexism is unfair to women and men.
- We should speak up when we see sexism.
belief one sex is superior
Thinking that one gender is better than another.
deep-rooted/entrenched sexism; cultural sexism
- The novel explores how sexism shaped the family’s expectations for sons and daughters.
- They argued that sexism is sustained by the belief that men should lead and women should follow.
- Her research looks at how sexism influences leadership stereotypes.
- Sexism can be a belief that men are better than women.
sexist behavior or remarks
Sexist words or actions in a situation.
there is/was sexism in [comment/joke/ad]; casual/subtle sexism
- There was a lot of sexism in the way the female candidates were described.
- She pushed back against the sexism in his ‘joke’ and asked him to stop.
- The ad was criticized for its sexism and outdated stereotypes.
- That comment is sexism.
- We heard sexism at the meeting.
- Base: sexism
- Plural: sexism
benevolent sexism
1patronizing ‘positive’ sexism
Sexism that sounds kind but still treats women as less capable.
- Some people see ‘women shouldn’t do dangerous jobs’ as benevolent sexism.
- The training explained how benevolent sexism can limit women’s opportunities.
- She pushed back against benevolent sexism that framed her as needing protection.
casual sexism
1offhand sexist comments
Sexism that people say or do casually, without thinking.
- The show was criticized for casual sexism in its dialogue.
- He didn’t realize his comment was casual sexism until someone pointed it out.
- They agreed to challenge casual sexism when it came up in the office.
everyday sexism
1ordinary daily sexist behavior
Common sexist comments or actions that happen in daily life.
- She shared examples of everyday sexism, like being talked over in meetings.
- Everyday sexism can be hard to challenge because it’s often framed as a joke.
- The workshop focused on recognizing and responding to everyday sexism.
institutional sexism
1sexism built into institutions
Sexism that comes from an organization’s rules and habits.
- The report found evidence of institutional sexism in promotion decisions.
- They updated their procedures to reduce institutional sexism in hiring and pay.
- Campaigners argued that institutional sexism made it harder for women to advance.
internalized sexism
1absorbing sexist beliefs yourself
When someone starts to believe sexist ideas about their own gender.
- She realized her fear of being seen as ‘bossy’ was linked to internalized sexism.
- The group discussed how internalized sexism can affect confidence at work.
- Therapy helped him notice internalized sexism in the way he judged certain jobs.
reverse sexism
1claimed sexism against men
A term some people use for sexism against men.
- He called the hiring initiative ‘reverse sexism,’ while others said it addressed unequal access.
- The panel discussed why the term reverse sexism is controversial.
- Some critics accused the program of reverse sexism, but the company rejected the claim.
sexism in the workplace
1gender bias at work
Sexism that happens at work.
- The survey asked employees if they had experienced sexism in the workplace.
- They introduced anonymous reporting to reduce sexism in the workplace.
- Sexism in the workplace can show up in who gets credit for ideas.