Everyday Sexism summary

For most of history, men have dominated the political arena. Politicians such as American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton or German Chancellor Angela Merkel are beginning to challenge the status quo, but despite this, female political leaders often face sexism in their positions.

The media often pays undue attention to what a female politician is wearing or how her hair is styled for an event – facts deemed irrelevant or outright ignored when it comes to male politicians.

You don’t have to see many films or advertisements to realize that thin white women with blue eyes and blonde hair are society’s standard of beauty. Such images are everywhere, showing women that this is the ideal look for their gender.

But what if you’re a woman who doesn’t look like this?

How do you think sexist tabloid stories impact the girls who read them? If you want your daughters, sisters and mothers to feel secure and confident about themselves, you need to be aware of sexism in the media.

Young girls are especially vulnerable to sexist expectations, given the onslaught of unrealistic body images they see and are taught to want and worship. Photoshopped images of sexualized young women are commonplace in advertisements. Such standards can trigger both mental and physical illnesses in women, such as anxiety or anorexia.

Do you feel safe and respected at work? If you’re a man, you’re more likely to answer yes.

If you’re a woman, however, the situation is often very different.

While women are the main victims of sexism, boys and men suffer the effects of sexism, too.

The narrow definition of how a “man” should act is damaging for both men and women. Many men are taught to be tough, unemotional high-achievers – and in doing so, also learn to objectify women. Many men also prioritize a career over a relationship, which often comes at the cost of a meaningful family life.