The 5 differences between machismo and misogyny

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

So throughout this article we will see the main differences between misogyny and machismo, as well as the way in which its manifestations and its harmful effects on people differ.

• Related article: "Sexist people: these are the 8 beliefs that characterize them"

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 punished in those cases in which a rule was violated, but no reflection was generated about the social and historical phenomenon. related to the situation of subjugation of women. In the last decades, however, this has changed, and that is why today it is so common to hear about of machismo and hatred of women (or misogyny) in western culture countries and in many others.

However, although both machismo and misogyny tell us about different types of violence directed towards the feminine in general and women in particular, have a different nature and are also noticed in a different way. differentiated. Let's see.

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

By definition, misogyny is always based on hatred of women, while machismo does not have to be based on this. In fact, the latter is based not so much on specific feelings directed towards women, but on all a series of relational dynamics that have been normalized throughout the centuries and 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 class of beliefs there is not always an element that allows us to identify if the person who holds them feels sympathy or antipathy for the woman for the simple fact of being, while in misogyny the opposite occurs: yes, you can 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 passed down from generation to generation, misogyny is relatively individual.

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

• You may be interested: "Misogyny: 9 attitudes that portray misogynists"

3. Machismo can take the form of kindness

It is perfectly possible to be a chauvinist and to care a lot that women feel comfortable and live well. This is so because machismo is not always based on disparagement or the desire to harm someone in particular; also can appear through paternalism and condescension.

Of course, that does not imply that whoever is macho and wishes the best for the woman does not harm her through her actions; but she will not be aware of it, since she will see justified what she does "for the good" of the other person, as she is less able to decide what she wants and have less criteria to understand what happens (according to the beliefs of the person who treats her as a person not Independent).

4. Misogyny often leads to withdrawal

As a general rule, those who hate a certain group try not to expose themselves too much to it. This principle is relatively difficult to apply when the group of people who hate themselves makes up about half of the human population, but despite that those who experience misogyny they prefer to associate with men, minimizing his interactions with women.

On the other hand, machismo does not have to lead to this, since its existence is totally independent of the 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 to the strong identification we make between sex of a person and their functions in society, something that can be modified by changing political, economic and cultural Instead, misogyny has many different causes, and the only common denominator on which their cases are supported has to do with the importance of gender when it comes to identifying people.

Wherever there is a strong element of identification to which we attach a lot of meaning (religion, race, nationality, etc.) there may be material from which to develop misgivings or even hatred for generalization.

Bibliographic references:

• Hirai, M., Winkel, M., & Popan, J. (2014). The role of machismo in prejudice. Personality and Individual Differences, 70, 105-110.
• Rinck, M. J. (1990). Christian "Men Who Hate Women: Healing Hurting Relationships. Zondervan. pp. 81 - 85.
• Zaira A. (2000). Male and Female in the Catholic Imaginary: From Catholic Action to Liberation Theology São Paulo: Annablume.