De Siam Goorwich:
So what does benevolent sexism actually mean?
In the study, the team explain: ‘Hostile sexism is an antipathy towards women… Benevolent sexism, in contrast, is a chivalrous and subjectively positive view of women. Women are portrayed as pure and warm yet helpless and incompetent beings who require cherished protection from men.’
Professor Judith Hall, of Northeastern University in Boston, goes on to explain: ‘Benevolent sexism is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing that perpetuates support for gender inequality among women.
‘These supposed gestures of good faith may entice women to accept the status quo in society because sexism literally looks welcoming, appealing and harmless.’