Benevolent Sexist vs. Malevolent Sexist

Attribute	Benevolent Sexist	Malevolent Sexist
Beliefs	Hold positive stereotypes about women	Hold negative stereotypes about women
Intentions	Believe they are helping women	Intend to harm or control women
Behaviors	May engage in chivalrous acts	May engage in overt discrimination
Perceived as	Friendly and supportive	Hostile and aggressive

Benevolent Sexist

Benevolent sexism refers to attitudes and beliefs that appear positive on the surface but ultimately reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This form of sexism is often characterized by paternalistic behavior towards women, where men may believe they are protecting or providing for women in a chivalrous manner. Benevolent sexists may hold beliefs such as women being more nurturing or emotional, which can lead to them being treated as delicate or in need of protection.

One attribute of benevolent sexism is the belief that women should be cherished and protected. This can manifest in behaviors such as opening doors for women, offering to carry heavy objects, or insisting on paying for meals. While these actions may seem kind and considerate, they can also reinforce the idea that women are weaker or less capable than men, perpetuating gender stereotypes.

Another attribute of benevolent sexism is the belief that women are more moral or pure than men. This can lead to women being put on a pedestal and held to higher standards of behavior than men. Benevolent sexists may view women as the moral compass of society, while excusing or overlooking problematic behavior in men.

Benevolent sexism can also involve the belief that women are more suited for certain roles or professions. This can lead to women being steered towards traditionally feminine careers such as teaching or nursing, while being discouraged from pursuing male-dominated fields like engineering or finance. Benevolent sexists may believe they are protecting women from the challenges and pressures of these male-dominated industries, but in reality, they are limiting women's opportunities for growth and advancement.

Overall, benevolent sexism may appear well-intentioned on the surface, but it ultimately reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and limits women's autonomy and agency. By treating women as delicate or in need of protection, benevolent sexists perpetuate the idea that women are inferior to men and should be confined to traditional gender roles.

Malevolent Sexist

Malevolent sexism, on the other hand, is characterized by hostile and overtly negative attitudes towards women. This form of sexism is often more blatant and aggressive than benevolent sexism, with malevolent sexists openly expressing disdain or contempt for women. Malevolent sexists may believe that women are inferior to men and should be subservient or obedient.

One attribute of malevolent sexism is the belief that women are inherently less competent or capable than men. This can lead to women being denied opportunities for advancement or leadership roles in the workplace, as malevolent sexists may view them as unfit for positions of power. Malevolent sexists may also engage in behaviors such as mansplaining or interrupting women in professional settings, undermining their contributions and expertise.

Another attribute of malevolent sexism is the belief that women are responsible for their own victimization. Malevolent sexists may blame women for experiencing harassment or assault, suggesting that they were asking for it or somehow deserved the mistreatment. This victim-blaming mentality can further perpetuate a culture of misogyny and impunity for perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Malevolent sexism can also involve the belief that women are manipulative or deceitful. This stereotype can lead to women being distrusted or discredited in personal or professional relationships, as malevolent sexists may view them as untrustworthy or conniving. This can create barriers for women seeking to assert themselves or advocate for their own needs.

Overall, malevolent sexism is a more overt and hostile form of gender discrimination that seeks to undermine women's autonomy and agency. By perpetuating negative stereotypes and beliefs about women's capabilities and character, malevolent sexists contribute to a culture of misogyny and inequality that harms women and limits their opportunities for success.