Benevolent Sexism
Benevolent sexism – a form of sexism expressed through subjectively positive, protective, idealizing, or patronizing attitudes toward women. Although such attitudes may appear respectful or favorable, they are based on traditional gender stereotypes and reinforce women’s subordinate position.
Benevolent sexism presents women as morally pure, delicate, caring, beautiful, emotionally sensitive, and in need of male protection, support, or guidance. It may include the belief that women should be cherished and protected by men, that “real” women are naturally suited to care, motherhood, domesticity, and emotional labour, or that women possess special virtues that make them different from, but not equal to, men.
Unlike openly hostile sexism, benevolent sexism does not necessarily express direct hatred or contempt toward women. However, it supports gender inequality by rewarding women who conform to traditional feminine roles and by legitimizing male authority, protection, and control. In this sense, benevolent sexism is closely connected with paternalism, gender stereotypes, and neosexism.
In the theory of ambivalent sexism developed by Peter Glick and Susan T. Fiske, benevolent sexism exists alongside hostile sexism. Together, these two forms of sexism maintain gender hierarchy: hostile sexism punishes women who challenge traditional gender roles, while benevolent sexism idealizes and rewards women who conform to them.
Reference:
Glick, P., & Fiske, S. T. (1996). The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory: Differentiating hostile and benevolent sexism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70(3), 491–512.
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