CONSEQUENCES OF SEXISM

Sexism has been defined as an, “institutional and ideological system that prescribes division by gender, differentiates the social roles attributed to women and men, and ranks them in a hierarchy” (Gianettoni & Roux, 2010, p. 375). Benevolent sexism manifests itself through patronizing attitudes and beliefs that women need to be protected and cared for due to their compliance with traditional social roles and their fragility (Overall, Sibley, & Tan, 2011). Although benevolent sexism may express itself as chivalrous behavior, combined with hostile sexism, it perpetuates inequity for women. Regardless of the type of sexism experienced, the consequences of sexist oppression influences women in a variety of ways. Sexism can lead to physical, emotional, interpersonal and employment-related consequences including negative influences on cardiovascular health, the immune system, and cognitive functioning.

 DIRECT CONSEQUENCES

There have two direct consequences. That are Violence and Discrimination. 

Violence against women represents a global public health issue of epidemic proportions, as well as a gross violation of women's human rights. It can take many forms, such as physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors. One in three women worldwide has been subjected to physical or sexual violence through her life. Violence against women are often underreported since many women are afraid, ashamed or often hold themselves accountable of these. Intimate partner and sexual violence is the result of factors occurring at individual, family, community and wider society levels that interact with each other to increase or reduce risk. Some are associated with being a perpetrator of violence, some are associated with experiencing violence and some are associated with both. Risk factors for both intimate partner and sexual violence include; lower levels of education, harmful use of alcohol, a history of exposure to child maltreatment, witnessing family violence, low level of gender equality. 

Gender discrimination is any action that excludes or disadvantages people based on their gender. It includes actions that are deliberately unfair and actions that are unintentionally unfair. Gender discrimination is fueled by sexism, which is prejudice based on sex or gender. In most countries, sexism devalues women and femininity and privileges men and masculinity. Because gender relates to how someone feels, rather than their biological characteristics, anyone who identifies with a gender that their society deems less valuable can experience gender discrimination. This includes Trans and other gender-expansive people. Gender discrimination can take place in person-to-person interactions, as well as at an institutional or state level.

INDIRECT CONSEQUENCES 

Gender threat occurs in situations in which one is threatened by the possibility of acting like the opposite gender (Vandello et al., 2008) and is most pervasive for men. Internalized sexism refers to sexist beliefs that a person has about themselves. Usually, a person adopts these beliefs involuntarily as a result of exposure to sexist behavior or the opinions of others. Internalized sexism may cause feelings of; incompetence, self-doubt, powerlessness, shame, It also causes people to unintentionally collude with sexism. Research suggests that the lower rate of women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics may be due to internalized sexism. Studies have shown that sexist stereotypes affect academic performance. As many believe that boys are better than girls at math and science, this could cause a lack of confidence.

Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings. Violence against women is preventable. The health sector has an important role to play to provide comprehensive health care to women subjected to violence, and as an entry point for referring women to other support services they may need.