This document discusses gender stereotypes and sexism. It outlines common stereotypes that exist about the traits, roles, physical characteristics, and cognitive abilities of both men and women. For example, it is commonly believed that women are emotional, helpful and kind, while men are active, self-confident and able to make decisions easily. The document also discusses how feminism aims to challenge these stereotypes and promote women's rights and equality. However, sexism and anti-feminist attitudes still persist and disadvantage women in many areas like university professorships, political office, and corporate leadership.

1. Sexism

8. Gender Belief
System
Beliefs about
one’s own
gender roles
Perceptions
of role
violators
Gender role
attitudes
Beliefs about
sexual
orientation
Gender
stereotypes

9. Gender Stereotypes
 Much research done in 1960s & 70s
 Agentic/Instrumental—men
 Independence, strength, self-confidence
 Communal/Expressive—women
 Emotional, helpful, kind
 Gender polarization

10. Common Gender Stereotypes: Traits
Beliefs about Women
 Able to devote self to
others
 Aware of others’ feelings
 Emotional
 Helpful
 Gentle
 Kind
 Understanding
 Warm
Beliefs about Men
 Active
 Can make decisions easily
 Competitive
 Feels superior
 Independent
 Never gives up easily
 Self-confident
 Stands up well under
pressure

11. Common Gender Stereotypes: Roles
Beliefs about Women
 Cooks the meals
 Does the household
shopping
 Does laundry
 Is fashion conscious
 Source of emotional
support
 Takes care of children
 Tends the house
Beliefs about Men
 Assumes financial
obligations
 Head of household
 Financial provider
 Leader
 Responsible for household
repairs
 Takes initiative in sexual
relations
 Watches sports on
television

12. Common Gender Stereotypes:
Physical Characteristics
Beliefs about Women
 Beautiful
 Cute
 Dainty
 Gorgeous
 Graceful
 Petite
 Pretty
 Sexy
 Soft voice
Beliefs about Men
 Athletic
 Brawny
 Broad-shouldered
 Burly
 Muscular
 Physically strong
 Physically vigorous
 Rugged
 Tall

13. Common Gender Stereotypes:
Cognitive Abilities
Beliefs about Women
 Artistic
 Creative
 Expressive
 Imaginative
 Intuitive
 Perceptive
 Tasteful
 Verbally skilled
Beliefs about Men
 Analytical
 Exact
 Good at abstractions
 Good at numbers
 Good at problem solving
 Good with reasoning
 Mathematical
 Quantitatively skilled

14. Feminism
 “Feminism is the radical notion that women
are people.”
 “I myself have never been able to find out
precisely what feminism is. I only know that
people call me a feminist whenever I
express sentiments that differentiate me
from a doormat…”—Rebecca West

15. Feminism
 “Are you a feminist”?
 “No, but I believe in women’s rights.”
 Implications
 Evolution of Ms.

16. Consequences of Sexism and
Anti-Feminism
 Men currently comprise:
 85% of tenured university professors
 89% membership in the US House and 90% in the US
Senate
 95% of Fortune 500 CEOs
 99.9% of athletic team owners
 At the current rate of increase, it will take 459
years (until 2466) before women are as equally
represented at the top of the career ladder as
they are at the bottom.
 Sticky floor, Glass ceiling, and Glass elevator