According to the findings of a recent study, "benevolent sexism" (BS) can harm women both immediately and over time. When someone (usually a man) says something that sounds encouraging and supportive but is actually predicated on traditional gender stereotypes, it's called BS. It is distinct in that it is frequently used with intentionally positive intentions and is frequently perceived by the recipient as such, in contrast to hostile sexism or other overt forms of discrimination. Carla and Alex, for instance, have been looking forward to their manager's yearly performance reviews. Alex's review emphasizes his effectiveness as a team leader and his tough negotiating skills, while Carla's review commends her for being a likable team player that people enjoy working with. While both of these reviews are positive, Alex's emphasizes toughness and leadership, while Carla's emphasizes likability.

The Psychology Behind Benevolent Sexism

Because it may seem encouraging while simultaneously promoting and praising traditional gender roles, responsibilities, and abilities, benevolent sexism can be confusing for women. By elevating traits traditionally seen as inferior in women, such as neatness or nurturing, benevolent sexism perpetuates gender inequality. Benevolent sexism allows men to appear supportive of women while still upholding traditional gender norms by emphasizing traits that have less social capital and power. Many women who face benevolent sexism find themselves in a difficult situation. Because of the phony positive tone of this type of sexism, offenders are frequently viewed favorably and are unlikely to be classified as sexist. Women who refuse to entertain this kind of experience, on the other hand, are perceived as being cold or possessing a grudge. Because of this, benevolent sexism frequently goes unrecognized or unopposed.

Research findings on Benevolent sexism

As women completed a verbal reasoning task following feedback, the authors used cardiovascular indicators of challenged or threatened psychological states instead of anecdotal accounts or questionnaires, which made the study's methodology unique.

Many women who receive BS support find themselves in a difficult situation. Because of the phony positive tone of BS, offenders are frequently viewed favorably and are unlikely to be classified as sexist. Women who refuse benevolent sexsim’s support, on the other hand, are perceived as being cold or possessing a grudge. Because of this, sexism frequently goes unrecognized or unopposed. As women completed a verbal reasoning task following benevolent sexism’s feedback, the authors used cardiovascular indicators of challenged or threatened psychological states instead of anecdotal accounts or questionnaires, which made the study's methodology unique. Because of this, it was feasible to access an individual's psychological state—whether conscious or unconscious—while they were actively working on a task.

The researchers discovered that BS has a detrimental impact on women's success and well-being, much like hostile sexism does. For instance, women performed worse on a problem-solving test when the assessor displayed negative attitudes toward them, and their poor performance led to self-doubt about their ability. The detrimental effects of BS can continue into later circumstances, carrying over the repercussions of a single sexist experience into novel situations and assignments. According to the findings, women may still feel that they are unable to meet the demands of the field if they are subjected to BS feedback, even if it is intentionally well-intentioned. Barnard College President Sian Beilock has written about how women can react to bullshit so they don't give in to it. Compared to women who did not receive BS feedback, women who did felt less skilled afterward. These emotions might make the difference between a young woman who receives an 80% on a math test and deciding she is not suited for a career in STEM and enrolling in a more advanced course.

One common explanation for the gender pay gap is that women "choose" occupations or careers that pay less than those chosen by men. Sociologists have demonstrated that women are frequently relegated to lower-paying occupations and excluded from high-paying ones; additionally, professions dominated by women are less prestigious and pay less than those dominated by men. Additionally, many women will "choose" lower-paying jobs that allow them the flexibility they need to care for their children as long as universal child care is not in place. However, this research explains another aspect of women's so-called "choices," which could have broad implications for the gender disparity debate. Women experience benevolent sexism throughout their lives, which is likely largely responsible for their overrepresentation in the lowest-paying professions of law and medicine and their underrepresentation in high-paying STEM fields.

When "Benevolent" Doesn't Actually Mean It is Good

In addition to the obvious issue—that sexism of any kind toward women is unacceptable—there are numerous other issues at play here. First of all, we are all too aware that the same men who encourage women to follow the rules will also be the first to shame and condemn them for doing so. If women come dangerously close to achieving the same level of wealth, status, or power as men, the men who subscribe to the patriarchal notion that the "right kind of woman" can thrive in our patriarchal system if they find a high-status partner will label them hypergamous gold diggers.

Women must follow the rules and never truly win if these men are to be protected and provided for. It's a zero-sum game for women. Second, if the "right kind of woman" suddenly turns out to be the wrong kind, men who exhibit benevolent sexism will immediately transition to hostile sexism. The benevolent façade will fall away and hostile sexism will show its teeth if a submissive wife realizes she is oppressed and wants equality with her husband, or if a female employee decides she will no longer tolerate a coworker's sexual advances in exchange for his "protection" at work. The term "benevolent sexism" is misleading because it has nothing to do with being soft, gentle, or kind. It is dangerous and could be fatal. It depends only on women playing with the right men, according to the right rules. As we learn more about how hostile and benevolent sexism are really two sides of the same coin, is it really appropriate to refer to it as benevolent? It seems that regardless of how it seems on the surface, any act of sexism that subverts, controls, or oppresses women is not eligible for that label.

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