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Written by Sanjana Kollu
Discrimination and prejudice are not always loud and overt. Often, it is insidiously subtle and brushed off as harmless. However, this type of sexism can be the most harmful.
A study by Utah State University researchers found that “sexist remarks were more likely to occur in workplaces, within the home, churches or communities.” In other words, the majority of women experience casual sexism, not in extraordinary circumstances, but rather from average parts of their daily routines. The researcher sums the study up by writing that “women often choose to ignore or minimize the sexism they experience because face-to-face confrontation with the person who makes sexist comments can be extremely difficult...to avoid backlash or retaliation, women elect not to respond.”
When women feel as if they have no choice but to accept sexist remarks, not only do these remarks become more commonplace, but sexist beliefs also go unchallenged. The high school teacher or church leader or coworker perpetuating these beliefs continues to do so without repercussion, which has tangible effects on women’s lives. The study found that when sexism became accepted in a workplace or any given setting, women were also passed over more often for career advancement opportunities.
In your own life, think back to how often you were made aware of your gender in a derogatory sense. Perhaps you weren’t openly told that you were lesser for being a woman, but maybe you were told it would be better for someone else to handle a certain task or better that you wore something else. Maybe every woman hasn’t experienced overt sexism, but every woman has almost definitely experienced a subtle form of sexism that cuts just as deep.
The solution is simple but effective: challenge these beliefs. Encourage open dialogue and raise awareness about the ubiquity of this prejudice. In general, be aware of harmful stereotypes and objectification treated as acceptable. Only by changing our mindset to casual sexism can we successfully overcome it.
References
Cortez, Marjorie. “Sexism in Utah Is 'Prevalent' and 'Normalized,' New Report Reveals.” Deseret News, Deseret News, 3 Nov. 2021, https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/11/3/22761542/sexism-in-utah-is-prevalent-and-normalized-new-report-reveals.