sexism

The term sexism is widespread and is present in media and social discourses. The hashtag #metoo stands for a movement in which celebrities have made sexual assaults public and clearly showed how widespread sexism, abuse of power and sexual harassment are. The social movement and the hashtag #metoo also drew attention to the extent of sexism in everyday life. But what is sexism and where does it take place everywhere? How do we notice sexism and what can we do about it?

What is sexism?

Sexism is discrimination against people based on their gender. People are judged, disadvantaged or ostracized based on their gender. Sexism can be directed against all genders, but girls and women, as well as trans* and non-binary people, are disproportionately affected.

Sexism is based on gender stereotypes and role models about how people “should be” because of their gender. In particular, women and people outside the heteronormative, bisexual understanding of gender have been severely marginalized in the past (and still are today). Men are also exposed to prejudices based on their gender. However, they are less affected because men generally have more power than other sexes. This is based on the assumption that there is a hierarchical relationship between sexes and that masculinity is the superior gender.

“Women are in need of harmony”, “Men are strong”: These and similar roles are firmly anchored in society and people internalize them even early in childhood.

How is sexism expressed?

Statements that relate to such stereotypical role attributions are one way of showing sexism: “Women are better at taking care of the family and don't have to pursue a career,” for example. Sexism is therefore expressed between people through words or even actions, for example when equality is deliberately rejected. Suggestive remarks about women as sexual objects also represent a denigration of gender. However, sexism is also often not so easy to recognize, for example when discrimination against women is generally denied or when measures to reduce inequalities between the sexes are completely rejected. This form of sexism is based on personal convictions and behaviours and describes individual sexism.

On the other hand, sexism has a structural dimension. People are systematically disadvantaged within social structures and institutions of a society because of their gender. One example of this is the pay inequality between men and women. Women often earn less than men because norms and traditions are based on the stereotypical idea that women are more likely to take care of the family. They are more likely to work in lower-paid occupations, work part-time more often and are perceived as less competent for managerial tasks.

Structural sexism and individual sexist attitudes can be interwoven: The still widespread idea that care work is primarily a “woman's job” can occur as an individual statement, but is also accepted as a social norm and continues to shape behavior in our society.

The term “everyday sexism” emphasizes the fact that sexism shapes our behavior and relationships almost casually. Individual incidents of sexism may seem harmless, but they create an atmosphere of intimidation, fear, and uncertainty. This leads to acceptance of violence, mostly against women and girls.

Sexism vs. sexual harassment

The term sexism is often equated with sexual harassment or the sexualized portrayals of women in advertising and television. But these phenomena are only variants of sexism, which also occurs without sexual connotation. In the broad spectrum of sexist attitudes and behavior, sexual harassment is a particularly hurtful and derogatory form of sexism.

More information about sexism: www.gemeinsam-gegen-sexismus.de

Intersectional perspective: multiple discrimination exists

Sexism cannot be viewed in isolation from other dimensions of discrimination. Women who are affected by sexism and, for example, by racism or ableism are discriminated differently — usually more — than women who “only” experience sexism.

The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw. The term goes back to the English word “intersection”, i.e. intersection. For black women, discrimination based on gender and discrimination based on race therefore “intersect”. These multiple forms of discrimination cannot simply be added up, but form new, specific forms of discrimination.

How often does sexism occur?

The pilot study carried out by Professor Dr. Carsten Wippermann on behalf of BMFSFJ “Sexism in Everyday Life. Perceptions and Attitudes of the German Population” shows that sexism is perceived as an everyday, mass phenomenon:

• 63 percent of the women surveyed and 49 percent of the men surveyed stated that they had noticed sexist attacks or had been affected themselves.
• Places where sexism occurs include public space (46 percent of women, 42 percent of men), the workplace (41 percent of women, 45 percent of men) and public transport (30 percent of women, 29 percent of men).
• Although they are not addressed directly as a person, 75 percent of all women and 61 percent of all men find sexism in the media bad. In particular, the portrayal of women and men as sex objects in advertising is rated negatively.
• 80 percent of the women surveyed and 65 percent of the men surveyed are in favour of politicians taking more measures to prevent sexism.

sexism in politics

The actual equal participation of women in politics is not a matter of course even in 2023. In the Bundestag, the proportion of women is 35.1%; in local politics, the proportion of women is only 27% on average. Only 10% of cities are led by a female mayor.

The reasons for the low proportion of women in politics are complex, but studies and surveys show that women in politics experience sexism. For example, stereotypical role attributions mean that women are less trusted than men: Women are too emotional and therefore unsuitable for politics; they are more interested in so-called soft issues — such as social areas or family policy — and not in “hard” fields such as economic or financial policy. In addition, appearance plays a bigger role for women than for politicians. The private relationships of female politicians are discussed more often than among politicians, and women are regularly exploited for the image of a party.

Sexual harassment is also a widespread phenomenon in parties. In the EAF study “Party Cultures and Women's Political Participation”, 40% of the women politicians surveyed stated that they had had experiences of sexual harassment. More women experienced sexual harassment at federal level (55%) than at local level (30%). The politicians report inappropriate and suggestive remarks about appearance, figure and clothing, looks and patterns. Unwanted contact or “turning on” is not uncommon. The attacks usually take place in informal situations; women experience them from party colleagues, but also from politicians from other parties. Younger and female new party members are particularly at risk.

Read more in the study”Party Cultures and Women's Political Participation”.

sexism in the world of work

Sexism also manifests itself in various forms in the world of work: In addition to sexual harassment, structural discrimination, unequal pay, poorer equipment for female professionals or the lack of representation of women in certain professional groups or management positions play a role.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is complex and widespread. It ranges from unwanted contact and verbal acts such as sexually suggestive comments or jokes to digital violence and online harassment. Structural harassment shows, among other things, the gender pay gap, a gender-based pay gap. In 2020, this was 18%. In addition, women are underrepresented in certain professional groups and positions. On the board of directors of DAX 40 companies, 23% are women. In the course of their careers, women encounter invisible barriers — the so-called glass ceiling.

Prejudices, stereotypes and racisms, male-based networks and a family-unfriendly corporate culture influence sexism in the workplace.

The fight against sexism in the workplace is also worthwhile for employers: An open stance against sexism in the company reduces stress, sick leave and turnover, exploits all potential in the company, offers a competitive advantage over other companies and reduces economic damage caused, for example, by high turnover, low reputation and job attractiveness.

sexism in science

The glass ceiling is also evident in science: First-year students and graduates are in the majority at German universities, but the proportion of women in professorships is only 27%. After completing their doctorate, the proportion of women tilts and there are more men who reach these higher career levels. This inequality also has an effect on knowledge production. If the aim of science is to meet the diversity of our society, the posts must also be filled in a variety of ways.

In science, due to specific conditions, there are also often dependencies and rigid hierarchies that promote sexism and restrict opportunities to defend oneself. Young scientists are often dependent on the goodwill of their superiors. When these supervisors behave sexist towards them, or even sexual harassment occurs, it is harder to fight back, as your career may depend on it.

Do what?

Many people are confronted with sexism or sexual violence in the course of their lives. There are a variety of contact points that you can contact as a person affected or as a person of trust of a person affected. Together against sexism: measures against sexism in the workplace, in culture and media and in public space