Page 194 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

168 gender microaggressions and sexism

While these arguments were bogus, they provided convenient rationalizations
for not voting for the ERA.

Modern Sexism: Invisibility, Good Intentions, and Control

Just as the opponents of the ERA manifested many of the characteristics of mod-
ern sexism (invisibility, good intentions, but ultimately control of women),
manifestations of sexism have evolved over time into a more subtle and
insidious form (Swim, Aiken, Hall, & Hunter, 1995). Although not overt and
intentional, these subtler forms of sexism nevertheless exert power over
women and ultimately control their social, psychological, economic, and
political opportunities in life (Swim & Cohen, 1997). Modern sexism is char-
acterized by denial of personal bias and prejudice toward women, a general
conscious belief in equality of the sexes, but unconscious attitudes that foster
nonsupport for programs and legislation helpful to women. Modern sexism is
likely to operate outside the level of conscious awareness through false belief
systems that allow for discriminatory treatment: “ Discrimination against

women is a thing of the past. ” “ Men and women now have an equal oppor-

tunity to succeed in society. ” “ Women have no right to be angry as they have

already advanced far in our society. ” “ Women are no longer disadvantaged;

indeed it is men who are being discriminated against. ” These beliefs serve to
mask hostility toward equality for women.
A different but related form of modern sexism is benevolent sexism as opposed
to hostile sexism ; the former is composed of traditional stereotypes about
women, yet they are viewed positively, while the latter evokes negative atti-
tudes linked to beliefs about female inferiority (Glick & Fiske, 1996). Both
share similar stereotypes of women, but benevolent sexists are motivated
paternalistically to “ protect the weaker sex, ” view them as objects of “ romantic
love, ” and admire them as “ wives and mothers. ” Despite viewing women
positively, it is based on an idealized stereotyped perception of the opposite
sex and is equally controlling and harmful.
In Chapter 1 , we used the example of a female subway rider who was
jostled while trying to exit at her stop. A stranger saw her plight and without
her permission physically interceded by placing his hand on the small of her
back and escorting her out. The man no doubt thought he was being pro-
tective, helpful, and chivalrous, but the woman passenger felt uncomfortable

receiving his help. He would be identified as a benevolent sexist, who conveyed
a sex - role stereotype of women as the weaker sex, needing protection, and

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