Hostile & Benevolent Sexism

Hostile Sexism

According to Kiera Lewison, a psychology and communications graduate, hostile sexism "shows up as demeaning. It makes women seem inferior to men in the workplace. They can be regarded as too manipulative, emotional, or incompetent." A good example of this form of sexism is when certain jobs are deemed "women's work". Such as expecting women to take notes in a meeting when everyone holds the same job title. (Lewison, 6).

Benevolent Sexism

Lewison explains that benevolent sexism "shows up in more unconscious ways. It’s the idea that women should be taken care of and men should be the providers." An example of this would be when women are left out of late work meetings under the assumption they would prefer to be taking care of their families rather than going to work late in the day. Even though the general attitude is not one that is demeaning and it may even come from a place of “care,” it is undermining the fact that women should be treated equally. (Lewison, 7)