sexism argumentative essay

How to win every sexist argument: an 11-point guide

Understanding the Impact of Sexism in Contemporary Society

This essay about understanding the impact of sexism in contemporary society examines its historical roots, current manifestations, and profound consequences. It highlights how sexism persists in the workplace, media, education, and mental health, while also intersecting with other forms of discrimination. The essay underscores the need for individual and collective efforts, including policy changes and media representation, to combat sexism and promote a more inclusive and equitable future.

How it works

Sexism, the prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender, remains a pervasive issue in contemporary society, affecting individuals across various spheres of life. Despite significant progress in gender equality, the subtle and overt manifestations of sexism continue to shape social, economic, and political landscapes. Understanding the impact of sexism involves examining its historical roots, identifying its current manifestations, and exploring its profound consequences on individuals and society as a whole.

Historically, sexism has been deeply entrenched in cultural, religious, and social norms.

Patriarchal systems, which have dominated for centuries, positioned men as superior to women, relegating women to subordinate roles. This historical context has left a legacy of gender bias that persists today, despite advances in women’s rights and gender equality. The struggle for women’s suffrage, the feminist movements of the 20th century, and ongoing advocacy for gender equality have challenged these norms, but the remnants of patriarchal thinking still influence contemporary society.

In the workplace, sexism manifests in various forms, from wage gaps to discriminatory hiring practices. Women often face barriers to advancement, known as the “glass ceiling,” which prevent them from reaching top leadership positions. This disparity is not merely a reflection of individual capabilities but a systemic issue where societal expectations and biases play a significant role. For instance, women are frequently judged more harshly than men for the same behaviors and are often perceived as less competent or less committed to their careers, especially if they have family responsibilities. The gender pay gap, where women earn significantly less than men for the same work, is a stark indicator of persistent economic inequality.

Sexism also permeates the media and popular culture, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and perpetuating gender biases. Women are often depicted in limited roles, emphasizing beauty and domesticity over intelligence and capability. This representation shapes public perceptions and expectations, limiting the opportunities available to women and girls. Additionally, the objectification of women in advertising and entertainment contributes to a culture that devalues women’s contributions and prioritizes their physical appearance over their talents and achievements.

In education, sexism can affect both girls and boys, though in different ways. Girls often face discouragement from pursuing fields traditionally dominated by men, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This discouragement can come from teachers, peers, and even family members who may harbor unconscious biases about gender roles. As a result, fewer women enter and remain in these fields, perpetuating a cycle of underrepresentation. Conversely, boys may be discouraged from expressing emotions or pursuing interests deemed “feminine,” leading to a suppression of their full range of human experiences and capabilities.

The impact of sexism on mental health is significant and multifaceted. Women who experience gender-based discrimination and harassment are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The constant pressure to conform to societal expectations and the fear of not being taken seriously can take a severe toll on women’s well-being. Men, too, suffer from the constraints of sexism, as rigid gender norms can prevent them from seeking help for mental health issues or expressing vulnerability, leading to a range of negative outcomes, including higher rates of suicide.

Sexism also intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, classism, and homophobia, creating compounded effects for those who belong to multiple marginalized groups. Women of color, for instance, face unique challenges that differ from those experienced by white women or men of color. The intersectionality of these identities means that addressing sexism requires a nuanced approach that considers the multiple layers of discrimination individuals may face.

Combating sexism requires both individual and collective efforts. On an individual level, challenging one’s own biases and advocating for gender equality in everyday interactions can contribute to broader social change. Education and awareness-raising are critical components in this process, as they help dismantle stereotypes and promote more equitable attitudes and behaviors.

Institutionally, policies that promote gender equality and protect against discrimination are essential. These policies include measures such as equal pay legislation, parental leave policies, and anti-harassment regulations. However, policies alone are not enough; their effective implementation and enforcement are crucial to ensuring meaningful change. Organizations and institutions must also foster inclusive cultures that value diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Moreover, media and cultural representation play a pivotal role in challenging and changing societal norms. Promoting diverse and positive representations of women and men in all their complexities can help reshape public perceptions and break down harmful stereotypes. Encouraging women to pursue careers in media, arts, and entertainment can also ensure that a broader range of perspectives and experiences are represented.

In conclusion, understanding the impact of sexism in contemporary society requires a comprehensive examination of its historical roots, current manifestations, and far-reaching consequences. While progress has been made, the persistence of gender bias and discrimination highlights the need for continued efforts to achieve true gender equality. By addressing sexism on both individual and systemic levels, society can move towards a more inclusive and equitable future where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Understanding the Impact of Sexism in Contemporary Society . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-the-impact-of-sexism-in-contemporary-society/ [Accessed: 29-Oct-2024]

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Sexism: Gender, Class and Power Essay

Introduction.

Sexism is one of the challenges that most societies in the contemporary world have struggled to address without any meaningful progress. It refers to discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex. Although anybody is vulnerable to sexism, it is majorly documented as a problem faced by women and girls. According to psychologists, the challenge of sexism is necessitated by factors such as gender roles and stereotypes across various societies (Dawson, 2018).

Over the years, various human rights groups have made an effort to create awareness about sexism and the probable dangers the victims might be exposed to if effective management strategies are not put in place. Research has established that in societies where sexism is highly rooted, victims are often vulnerable to rape and sexual harassment (Brewington, 2013). Cases of sexism against women are very common in the workplace.

Women are very vulnerable to sexual harassment in the workplace as their male colleagues and bosses often ask for sexual favors in exchange for promotions and salary reviews (Tulshyan, 2016). Women also argue that they are often overlooked in leadership positions because men are considered to have a better chance of succeeding. Sexism is a deep-rooted societal vice that ought to be eliminated in order to promote the value of humanity.

Since the turn of the century, people are more vocal with regard to the danger of sexism. Social networking sites are one of the platforms that people have used to highlight the challenges faced by victims of sexism and offer solutions to the problem. In 2012, the infamous Everyday Sexism project was launched with an aim to expose the numerous acts of sexism across the United Kingdom. The project quickly got the attention of the world as people gave shocking reactions to the degree to which the vice was rampant, especially in the streets (Brewington, 2013).

According to research, social media, as well as print and electronic media, have contributed greatly to the advancement of sexism regardless of the fact that they are also being used to fight the vice. For example, the contemporary hip-hop music industry in the United States has been accused of promoting sexism through their music videos. The genre has led to women being viewed more from a sexual angle because of the way they appear in the music videos.

These videos are aired across major television channels and readily available for consumption by the global audience through YouTube. Fashion magazines have also contributed to the growing challenge of sexism, especially towards women, because the artistic presentation of the female body is angled in a sexual manner (Brewington, 2013).

Apart from the inappropriate portrayal of human bodies by media, sexism is highly prevalent in modern society in several other ways. In the workplace, women often complain of the general assumption that men are more qualified and knowledgeable compared to women (Tulshyan, 2016). It is frustrating for women when a colleague seeks advice or clarification from a male peer when they know that they are in a better position to do the same. Women also consider the inability of an employer to allocate a certain task to them simply because they are physically demanding as an act of sexism (Dawson, 2018).

Women go to the gym and participate in various sports just as men do. Thus, it is wrong to assume they cannot meet the physical demands of a task. Psychologists argue that sexism is a relative concept with regard to the way various societies explain and comprehend it. This is evidenced in the different actions or elements that are considered as being sexist. In some societies, the fact that women are made to change their surname when they get married is considered sexism. Women feel that it is not necessary for them to give up their last name because of a process that even men undergo, yet they get to retain theirs (Brewington, 2013).

Another common form of sexism is sexist language. Studies have established that men are less vulnerable compared to women when it comes to sexual objectification when being addressed. It is important for people to use gender-sensitive language, especially in situations where both men and women are involved. For example, it is wrong to use masculine generics such as “Chairman” when referring to a female leader. Instead, one should use a gender-sensitive term such as chairperson (Lipman, 2018).

It is also an act of sexism to refer to a group of people with both men and women as “Guys” because it creates an impression that women are a category below men as human beings. It is also a common occurrence to hear men referring to adult women as girls. This often infantilizes a woman because it makes one feel like the person addressing her is giving an indication that they are not mature.

The most unfortunate thing about sexist language is the casual manner in which it has been used over the years, to the extent that it has become part of the conventional glossary. This is one of the major challenges facing the fight against sexism. Objectification of women through sexist language is rooted in the stereotypes the society develops from the way girls are raised and theories about their beauty (Evans, 2016). Over the years, women have been used to market products through various forms of advertisements. This has influenced girls to believe that they are as valuable as they look. Therefore, any woman whose beauty fails to meet societal standards tends to feel less valuable.

Sexism has robbed women of their safety, comfort, and voice. Many women who have been a victim of street harassment from men argue that such experiences act as an affirmation that their bodies are owned by the society (Brewington, 2013). Due to laxity within the society, women are made to unwillingly take street harassment as intended compliments rather than abuse. Domestic violence is a form of sexism that has taken away the voice of women.

In many societies, many cases of domestic violence against men and women end up unreported because the victims know they will not get any help with ease. It’s a human rights violation that often demeans the victim because the violator perceives the victim as being weak (Evans, 2016). Unfortunately, domestic violence is legal in places such as the United Arab Emirates, where husbands are allowed to discipline their wives as long as they do not inflict visible injuries.

South Asia is common for practicing a form of sexism called Gendercide. It involves the killing of children of a specific gender. It is close to gender-selective-abortion, where women are forced to terminate their pregnancies depending on the sex of the unborn child. In these practices, girls are targeted more than boys. The same case applies to female genital mutilation, which human rights groups consider as the gravest form of sexism (Evans, 2016).

In contemporary society, technology is widely abused to advance sexist agendas. Women always complain of suffering rape anxiety because people use phone calls and social media posts to deliver threats. No one chooses to be a victim of sexism; thus, avoiding walking in the streets unaccompanied or with people of the same gender is not enough. Cyberbullying is a strategy widely used by sexist people to harass their targets. The internet has turned the world into a global village.

Thus cultural interaction has been greatly heightened (Brewington, 2013). This effect is manifested a lot in the fashion industry, where the dres’ codes for men and women have undergone a huge transformation. Psychologists argue that dres’ codes are sexist in nature. They often limit the power and confidence of women, depending on the societal perception of a certain trend. The style of women wearing pants started in the developed countries as a way of helping women address the threat of rape. Several decades later, it has become a global trend. Some women argue that their lies in wearing dresses, but they are often forced to wear pants for safety purposes (Evans, 2016).

The concept of sexism is very broad and cannot be explained exhaustively. However, it is common knowledge that there is an urgent need to address this global challenge in order to achieve the common good. Gender equality and sensitivity is a right of every human being, thus the need to ensure that we create a more inclusive society. In order to achieve this feat, a change in attitude with regard to the way different genders perceive each other is very important. Men need to understand that they are not biologically programmed to harass women or objectify them.

Brewington, C. (2013). The sacred place of exile: Pioneering women and the need for a new women’s missionary movement . New York, NY: Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Dawson, T. (2018). Gender, class and power: An analysis of pay inequalities in the workplace . New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

Evans, M. (2016). The persistence of gender inequality . New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

Lipman, J. (2018). That’s what she said: What men need to know and women need to tell them about working together . New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Tulshyan, R. (2016). The diversity advantage: Fixing gender inequality in the workplace . New York, NY: Create Space Independent Publishing Platform.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Sexism — Manifestations, Impacts, and Strategies: Combating Sexism

Manifestations, Impacts, and Strategies: Combating Sexism

• Categories: Sexism

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Words: 301 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 301 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Table of contents

Definition and manifestation of sexism, impacts of sexism on individuals, impacts of sexism on society, strategies for combating sexism.

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