Over the last decade, discussions regarding the distribution of power within the society have become a hot topic as women have become more progressive in various academic, corporate, and leadership fields. Men have always taken a dominant role at institutes owning more property and seen as seen as physically stronger features, which are the hallmarks of sexism. According to O’Neil, the term sexism is described in three forms stereotypical sexism, misogyny, and male chauvinism (14). In an age of increased social breakthroughs, there is a clear need to comprehend the concepts of sexism in addition to ridding the society of such vices.
Traditionally, sexism is described as prejudice or discrimination tendencies based on gender particularly against women or girls. Nevertheless, as indicated by Best, the concept of sexism varies from the mistreatment of women to the hatred of the female gender (12). Sexism as a stereotype draws women as the weaker and less capable gender as compared to men particularly realm of logic as well as rational reasoning (Szymanski and Lauren 43). For this reason, for a long time women have been relegated to playing the domestic role full of emotion and nurturance. Men, on the other hand, have dominated leadership roles in academia, business, and politics (Szymanski and Lauren 45). Sexism in the form of male chauvinism prejudice laid on women to maintain some form of patriarchy or male domination predominately through the material as well as ideological practices. The extreme concept is sexism is misogyny, which is discussed as a blatant hatred of women. Rape, domestic violence, and the commodification of the female body, are all hallmarks of a misogynistic society where women are seen as second-class citizens (Szymanski and Lauren 44). There exist modern day societies where women are perceived as property and often mistreated both on an individual as well as institutional level.
For antiquity, society has been trapped in the past whereby women, despite their skills and abilities, have always been underrated. For example, in the U.S, women are predominately paid lesser wages than men in similar employment positions are. According to Best, power and authority continue to be the rights of men; however, in view of the society women do not need the aforementioned features (77). The premise presented states that women only need opportunities and not share the concepts of power and authority. Opportunities allow women to highlight their capabilities, which later convince social outlook. The abilities and capabilities of leadership or expertise are not based on gender but personality, and women need the opportunities to highlight such maestro.
The current century is known as an era of an enlightened society and women have taken a major role in finding equality. In politics, academia, and the corporate fields, women have taken major roles, a factor that led to increased discussions on gender equality. There are modern societies that highlight prejudice against women, the United States being one of these communities. However, there are varied forms of sexism and each type hosts different characters of mistreatment towards women. In some societies women are perceived as property, in others they are the weaker gender and offered low ranking jobs. This has led to countless discussions on how gender determines an individual’s aptitude to be a great leader, scholar, or businessperson. Women do not need power or authority; they only need an opportunity to highlight capabilities that will lead them to positions of power and authority.
Works Cited
Best, Joel. “Typification and social problems construction.” In Images of issues, pp. 3-10. Routledge, 2017.
O’neil, James M. Men’s gender role conflict: Psychological costs, consequences, and an agenda for change. American Psychological Association, 2015.
Szymanski, Dawn M., and Lauren B. Moffitt. “Sexism and heterosexism.” (2012). PDF http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-03487-015