Types of sexism: the different forms of discrimination

Gender discrimination can be expressed and disguised in a variety of ways.

Although human societies have come a long way in terms of equality, there are still forms of discrimination that are deeply rooted in virtually all cultures. Sexism is one of these discriminatory practices, and it exists both in the actions and thepractices, and it exists in both actions and thoughts.

However, it is not always easy to recognize. It often appears camouflaged in alternative forms, or is expressed in attitudes that are so generalized and assumed that it is difficult to see them as such. That is why it is important to to know the different types of sexism and the way in which they can be found in everyday life.

What is sexism?

Before going on to look at its types, it is necessary to have a clear idea about what sexism is and how it is embodied in what we do.

One definition might be the following: sexism is a type of discrimination based on people's Biological sex or gender. of people.

Types of sexism

There is no single criterion for categorizing the different types of sexism, which means that there are several classifications.This means that there are several possible classifications according to different criteria.

For example, we can look at who the sexism is directed towards, or we can focus our attention on the way it is expressed.

According to who it is directed at

Depending on the type of person to whom the sexism is directed, it can take the following forms:

Against women

This type of sexism is very common, and is directed towards people whose biological sex corresponds to their gender identity (female). corresponds to their gender identity (female)..

Against transsexuals

This form of sexism applies to people whose gender identity does not correspond to their biological sex. does not correspond to their biological sex. It is especially serious, as these discriminatory attacks add to the anxiety and emotional pain that in itself produces gender dysphoria, a psychological phenomenon that occurs in some transsexual people and about which you can read more in this article: "Gender dysphoria: being born in the wrong body".

Sexism against intersex people

This is one of the least widespread types of sexism, as intersex people are relatively few in number. Intersex consists of a discrepancy between the design of the genitalia and the chromosomal load one possesses (XX or XY). one possesses (XX or XY). This ambiguity about the sex attributable to a person causes rejection in many cultures, including the West.

Against men

This type of sexism is closely closely related to the concept of misandrythat is, aversion to men in general.

According to the form in which sexism is expressed

If before we have seen a classification of the types of sexism according to their content, we now move on to their forms.

Hostile sexism

Hostile sexism is expressed in attitudes and actions based on hostility, hostility actions based on hostility, aggressiveness and physical or symbolic violence.. For example, beating someone up because of their gender is a clear form of this type of sexism.

Some subtypes of this kind of sexism are as follows:

• For transgression of the domestic.Sexism: sexism based on the rejection of women's access to the public facet of society, i.e., that which goes beyond domestic and reproductive tasks.

• For sexual issuessexuality: this is an attempt to violate the way in which one experiences one's own sexuality.

Benevolent sexism

This is one of the types of sexism that goes more unnoticed, since it can be seen through acts that could be understood as kindness initiatives. could be understood as kindness initiatives.

For example, explaining a very basic subject to someone as if he or she had no way of understanding more elaborate discourse may be sexism if the interlocutor is a woman, since the female gender has traditionally been distanced from intellectual tasks.

Similarly, coming to the aid of a woman so that she does not have to make any physical effort can also be an act framed in this type of sexism, if it is done in a systematic and generalized way.

Normative sexism

This type of sexism is not expressed through violence either, but neither does it have anything to do with apparent kindness or condescension. It is about actions that, by their forms, tacitly express an affirmation of traditional gender roles, tacitly express an affirmation of traditional gender roles without any justification other than without any justification other than custom.

For example, asking a woman about when she plans to find a husband to support her is an example of this kind of sexism.

This kind of sexism is often supported by an essentialist view of biology as applied to human beings. For example, it is understood that since historically females and females of most mammalian species are more involved in nurturing than males and males, there is some kind of link between the feminine and the care of the young.

However, this perspective reductionist and biologistic perspective is no more scientific because it is. If this were the case, for example, it would not have happened in less than a century in Western societies, when millions of women began to leave the house to engage in tasks beyond the domestic and household sphere.

Mansplaining

Mansplaining is a very specific form of sexism that includes elements of the two previous ones, since in it there is both condescension and a desire to deny others the ability to participate in a relationship as equals.

It consists of minimizing the opinions of another person (female or not identified with the (female or not identified with the male gender) and presenting one's own opinions as if they were a description of reality presented in an easy way for everyone to understand.