Sexism
Sexism refers to any form of discrimination against people on the basis of their ascribed gender as well as the ideology underlying this phenomenon that defines and hierarchizes gender roles (see IDA, 2013). It refers to socially expected gender-specific patterns of behavior (gender stereotypes), whereby men have a privileged position (patriarchy) and therefore women are primarily considered to be affected by sexism.
Sexism is the social construction of differences between genders, which forms the ideological basis for discrimination, devaluation, disadvantage and oppression based on gender. Associated with this are stereotypes and prejudices that shape expectations, perceptions and behaviour towards the sexes.
Research distinguishes between different types of sexism. Traditional sexism is generally understood to be a type of overt sexism that openly discriminates against people on the basis of gender. Modern sexism, on the other hand, is more subtle. This includes, for example, the denial of continuing discrimination in modern societies or the rejection of measures to reduce gender inequality. On another axis, a distinction is made between hostile and benevolent sexism. While hostile sexism - similar to overt sexism - is open and clear in its rejection (e.g. by insulting women who do not act in accordance with classic role models), benevolent sexism describes behaviour that continues to depend on classic role models, but emphasises positive stereotypes and, for example, the need for protection of women.
Theoretically, according to the definition, men can also be negatively affected by sexism (e.g. by being denied emotionality). However, due to the power imbalance between men and women and other marginalised genders in modern societies, they are generally privileged in sexist societies.
Source: Gender Glossar, Universität Bielefeld