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