Definition

1. Noun:
   • Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex: The belief that one sex (usually the male) is intrinsically superior to the other, often leading to unfair treatment or limiting opportunities.
   • Discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex: Actions, language, or practices that degrade, exclude, or harm individuals because of their sex.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company's policies were criticized for inherent sexism that favored male employees for promotion.
  • Her speech addressed the pervasive sexism in the media industry.
  • Casual sexism in everyday language can normalize discriminatory attitudes.

Advanced Usage

• Institutional/Systemic sexism: Refers to sexist policies, practices, and procedures embedded within social and organizational structures.
  • The study focused on combating institutional sexism in the education system.
• Internalized sexism: When individuals accept and apply sexist stereotypes and attitudes towards members of their own sex.
  • Workshops aimed to help women recognize and overcome internalized sexism.

Variants and Related Words

• Sexist (adj/noun): Exhibiting or characterized by sexism.
  • That was a sexist remark. (adj)
  • He was called out for being a sexist. (noun)
• Sexist (adj): Relating to or promoting sexism.
  • The advertisement was banned for its sexist imagery.

Synonyms

• Sex discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person's sex.
• Chauvinism (specifically male chauvinism): Exaggerated or aggressive patriotism; in this context, prejudiced belief in the superiority of one's own sex.
• Misogyny: Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women. (Note: This is a more specific, often stronger term than sexism.)

Related Phrases

• To combat/fight sexism: To actively work against sexist attitudes and practices.
  • The organization's mission is to combat sexism in the workplace.
• Perpetuate sexism: To cause sexist ideas or practices to continue.
  • Using gendered stereotypes in marketing can perpetuate sexism.

Related Idioms/Concepts

• "Glass ceiling": An unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and minorities, often a result of systemic sexism.
  • She broke through the glass ceiling to become CEO.
• "Double standard": A rule or principle applied more strictly to one group than another, often discussed in the context of sexism.
  • The double standard regarding aging for male and female actors is a form of sexism.

Noun

1. discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex