Types of sexism: the different forms of discrimination

Although human societies have come a long way in terms of equality, there are still deep-rooted forms of discrimination between practically all cultures. Sexism is one of these discriminatory practicesyes, and exists in both actions and thoughts.

However, it is not always easy to recognize. Many times it appears camouflaged in alternative ways, or it appears expressed in attitudes so generalized and assumed that it is difficult to see them as such. That is why it is important know the different types of sexism and the way in which they can be found on a day-to-day basis.

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What is sexism?

Before going to see their types, it is necessary to have a clear idea about what sexism is and how it is reflected through what we do.

A definition could be the following: sexism is a type of discrimination based on biological sex or gender of people.

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Types of sexism

There is no single criterion to propose a categorization of the different types of sexism

, which means that there are several possible classifications based on different criteria.

For example, we can focus on who sexism is directed at, or we can focus our attention on how it is expressed.

According to whom it is directed

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

Against women

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

Against transsexuals

This form of sexism applies to people whose gender identity does not correspond to your biological sex. It is especially serious, since these discriminatory attacks add to the anxiety and emotional pain that the attack 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 less widespread types of sexism, since intersex people are relatively few in number. Intersex consists of a discrepancy between the design of the genitals and the chromosome load that is owned (XX or XY). This ambiguity about sex attributable to a person causes rejection in many cultures, including the Western one.

Against men

This kind of sexism is closely related to the concept of misandria, that is, aversion to men in general.

According to the way in which sexism is expressed

If before we have seen a classification of the types of sexism according to its content, now we turn to its forms.

Hostile-type sexism

Hostile sexism is reflected in attitudes and actions based on hostility, aggression, and physical or symbolic violence. For example, spanking someone for her gender is a clear form of sexism of this kind.

Some subtypes of this kind of sexism are the following:

• By transgression of the domestic: sexism based on the rejection of women accessing the public facet of society, that is, one that is beyond domestic and reproductive tasks.

• For sexual reasons: Through this, an attempt is made to violate the way in which one's sexuality is experienced.

Benevolent type sexism

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

For example, explaining a very basic topic to someone as if they have no way of understanding more elaborate speeches can be sexism the interlocutor is a woman, since the female gender has traditionally been away from intellectual tasks.

In the same way, come to the aid of the woman so that she does not have to make any physical effort It can also be a framed act in this type of sexism, if it is done systematically and generalized.

Normative sexism

This type of sexism is also not expressed through violence, but it also has nothing to do with apparent kindness or condescension. These are actions that, due to their forms, tacitly express an affirmation in traditional gender roles without any other justification other than custom.

For example, asking a woman about when she plans to find a supportive husband is an example of this type of sexism.

This kind of sexism is often supported by an essentialist view of human biology. For example, it is understood that since historically women and females of most mammalian species are involve more in upbringing than males and males, there is some kind of link between the feminine and the care of the little ones.

However, this perspective not by reductionist and biologist is more scientific. If this were the case, for example, it would not have been the case that millions of women began to leave home to dedicate themselves to tasks that go beyond the domestic and the home, as has happened in less than a century in Western societies.

Mansplaining

Mansplaining is a very specific form of sexism that gathers elements from the previous two, since in it there is both condescension and the will to deny others the ability to participate in a relationship of equal same.

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