The Appeal of Benevolent Sexism

Stories of sexual abuse and allegations have been front and center in our news for a while now. From the Me Too movement to the Catholic Church abuse cases to the recent Kavanaugh Hearings, we are faced with the harsh reality of how common sexual abuse really is in our society. But we are starting to talk about it and that is a good thing. My heart goes out to all those whose lives have been affected by sexual abuse.
For many well-meaning men and women, these times are fraught with tension and confusion. A man might examine how he treats women and wonder if he should change his behavior. A woman might feel ambivalent toward a man who opens the door for her or offers to pay for lunch.
I want to make it clear that I’m in no way suggesting any of these examples constitute sexual abuse or assault. I am not. It’s just that now more than ever we’re compelled to examine these gray areas in our relationships that we might previously have never given a second thought.
Well, it turns out that researchers are examining these areas as well. A June 2018 study titled “Benevolent Sexism and Mate Preferences: Why Do Women Prefer Benevolent Men Despite Recognizing That They Can Be Undermining?” delves into these issues.
There are detailed definitions of “benevolent sexism” on the Internet, but basically social psychologists who study benevolent sexism see it as an action by men that while outwardly chivalrous, is really a sexist insult to the (woman) recipient’s strength and...

Source: World of Psychology - October 12, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Janet Singer Tags: Ethics & Morality Men's Issues Minding the Media PTSD Stigma Trauma Women's Issues #MeToo benevolent sexism Brett Kavanaugh flattery Prejudice sexist attitude Social Psychology stereotyping Source Type: blogs