The 5 differences between machismo and misogyny

Two phenomena that harm women, albeit in different ways.

Both machismo and misogyny are phenomena related to sexism and harm massive numbers of women. However, it is important not to confuse these terms, because although they refer to phenomena that have some similarities, they cannot be used as if they were synonyms.

Thus, in the course of this article we will look at the main differences between misogyny and misogyny. we will look at the main differences between misogyny and machismo, as well as the way in which they can be used.as well as the way in which their manifestations and their detrimental effects on people differ.

Differences between misogyny and machismo.

Until not so long ago, the problems derived from sexism were practically invisible to the public opinion. Cases of direct violence could be commented on and penalized in those cases in which a norm was violated, but no reflection was generated about the social and historical phenomenon related to the situation of subjugation of women.. In recent decades, however, this has changed, which is why it is now so common to hear about machismo and hatred of women (or misogyny) in Western and many other countries.

However, although both machismo and misogyny tell us about different types of violence directed towards the feminine in general and women in particular, they have a different nature and also make themselves felt in a differentiated way. Let's take a look at them.

1. One is based on hatred, the other is not.

By definition, misogyny is always based on hatred towards women, whereas machismo does not have to be based on this. In fact, the latter is based not so much on concrete feelings directed towards women, but on a whole series of relational dynamics that have been normalized. a whole series of relational dynamics that have been normalized over the centuries and are over the centuries and are considered normal, devoid of any emotional component.

Thus, one of the characteristics of machismo is that it is experienced as something natural, related to objective truth and realism, through statements such as "everyone knows that women need a man".

In this type of belief there is not always an element that allows us to identify whether the person who holds it feels sympathy or antipathy for women simply because they are women, while in misogyny the opposite is true: it is possible to know the attitude of acceptance or rejection towards the feminine.

2. Misogyny is an individual phenomenon

Unlike machismo, which has to do with a whole system of material and ideological domination over women that has been transmitted from generation to generation, misogyny is relatively individual.

While machismo has been present in practically all people, misogyny is something more exceptional, of more exceptional occurrence. is something more exceptional, of a rather isolated occurrence.. However, it does have a slight social component, since the very fact that femininity can come to define how we perceive an individual (a woman) has to do with the gender roles attributed by society, very present from birth.

3. Machismo can take the form of kindness

It is perfectly possible to be sexist and be very concerned that women feel comfortable and live well. This is because machismo is not always based on contempt or the desire to harm someone in particular; it can also appear through paternalism and condescension. can also appear through paternalism and condescension..

Of course, this does not imply that whoever is sexist and wishes the best to the woman does not harm her through his actions; but he will not be aware of it, since he will see what he does "for the good" of the other person as justified, since she is less capable of deciding what she wants and has less criteria to understand what is happening (according to the beliefs of the one who treats her as a non-independent person).

4. Misogyny often leads to alienation

As a general rule, those who feel hatred for a particular group try not to expose themselves too much to it. This principle is relatively difficult to apply when the group of people being hated makes up about half of the human population, but nevertheless those who experience misogyny prefer to interact with men, minimizing their interactions with women.They prefer to interact with men, reducing their interactions with women to a minimum.

On the other hand, machismo does not have to lead to this, since its existence is totally independent of attitudes of acceptance and rejection towards the feminine.

5. Machismo is a historical phenomenon

The very existence of machismo is related to gender roles and the strong identification we make between a person's sex and his or her functions in society, something that can be modified by changing political, economic and cultural elements. Misogyny, on the other hand, has many causes, misogyny has many different causesThe only common denominator that underlies their cases has to do with the importance of gender in identifying people.

Where there is a strong element of identification to which we attribute much meaning (religion, race, nationality, etc.) there may be material from which to develop misgivings or even hatred by generalization.