The Mental Impact of Sexism on Women

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a sexist comment, or behaviour? One that left you feeling humiliated, angry or feeling like you’ve nowhere to go?

Was there a longer term emotional impact on you too? Or has it impacted your ability to work at your full potential?

On my podcast this week, I am exploring the concepts of traditional and subtle sexism, based on research conducted by psychologists Michelle K. Ryan and Miriam K. Zehnter. You can listen to the episode here (19 minutes)

During the recent holidays, I re-read the series of essays, edited by ex-Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in the book Not Now, Not Ever.

All of these essays spoke to me and taught me something new about sexism, misogyny and the impact these patriarchal tools have on women (and on stifling our collective progression as a species)… I couldn’t put the book down. 

What is Sexism?

Sexism is a very tricky societal mechanism to explain because it can be so incredibly subtle and yet so incredibly damaging which is why I wanted to talk more about what I found out.

In today’s episode of Her Ambitious Career – The Podcast, I am talking about the research in one essay, Sexism today: Tools in the patriarchy’s toolbox (Michelle K. Ryan and Miriam K. Zehnter) and the definitions that explore the nuances of sexism including:

• Traditional sexism

• Hostile sexism

• Subtle sexism

• Benevolent sexism (this one blew my mind)

Ryan and Zehnter state:

Sexism is no single thing , but rather a constellation of attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that reinforce patriarchal systems of gender inequality in society…. And are tools brought out to keep women and gender minority groups ‘in their place‘ and to reinforce the status quo.”

Listen to the episode here:

Listen to the episode here: The Mental Impact of Sexism on Women

I can’t do this seismic topic justice in a 19 minute episode but hopefully I have spiked your curiosity to learn more.

A great first step is getting a copy of ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ – your eyes will be opened.

Related links:

• Listen to this related episode: Ep 192 – Know What Constitutes ‘Sexual Harassment’ at Work & The Action Victims Can Take, with guest Sarah Cappello

• And this: Ep 175 (Part 1 of 3) – 3 Major Systemic Barriers to Women’s Progression: The Culture Barrier

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About Rebecca:

Rebecca Allen is a Career & Leadership Coach for corporate women, aspiring to senior levels of leadership. Over the last decade, Rebecca has helped women realise their potential at companies including Woolworths, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, Ministry of Defence, Frontier Sensing and AbbVie Medical Research through her Roadmap to Senior Leadership coaching programs. Connect with Rebecca