Dismantling “Benevolent” Sexism

The authors’ research shows that even well-intentioned men are likely to respond to sexist workplace comments with “benevolent sexism”: attitudes, practices, and actions that seem positive (such as aid, flattery, and rewards) but that undercut their goal of supporting women at work, often under the pretense of providing them with help, protection, compliments, and affection. Both benevolent sexism and its partner, hostile sexism, reinforce established gender norms and stereotypes about women’s and men’s identities, social roles, and behavior. Each type uses different tactics, but the potential consequences for working women are the same, including possible negative impacts on mental and physical health, increased feelings of incompetence, and less career support. While men should continue interrupting sexism at work, they should also recognize that some responses may not be as effective as they think. The authors present six things men — especially senior leaders — can do to check their own assumptions.