In the fight for gender equality, we often talk about the presence of machismo in society and how it affects women in various aspects of their lives. However, a less obvious but equally harmful phenomenon is sometimes overlooked: machismo internalized in women themselves. Yes, sexist women exist, and their attitudes can be as harmful as those of sexist men. In this article, we will explore five attitudes that define sexist women and how they contribute to perpetuating gender inequality.
1. Competition and rivalry between women
One of the most common attitudes among sexist women is the tendency to compete and envy other women instead of providing them with support and solidarity. This behavior can manifest itself in constant criticism, gossip, jealousy and the search to stand out at the expense of belittling other women. This competitive attitude perpetuates the idea that women are inherently rivals and that their worth is measured by the approval and attention of men.
Psychological impact:
This type Attitude can have a strong impact on women's self-esteem and emotional well-being, as they are constantly under pressure to compare themselves with others and prove their worth through social acceptance. Competition between women also makes it difficult to create networks of support and sisterhood, which are essential for female empowerment.
2. Justification and reproduction of sexism
Another characteristic attitude of sexist women is the justification or even reproduction of sexist attitudes. They may minimize the severity of sexist comments, blame other women for being victims of gender discrimination, or even adopt sexist behaviors in an attempt to conform to the expectations of a patriarchal society. This attitude reinforces traditional gender norms and perpetuates gender inequality.
Sociocultural impact:
When women justify or reproduce sexist attitudes, they are contributing to maintaining a system of beliefs that oppresses women and limits their opportunities in society. This attitude also makes the fight for gender equality difficult, since it undermines solidarity between women and reinforces the invisibility of gender problems.
3. Internalization of patriarchy
Sexist women tend to internalize the values and norms of a patriarchal society, adopting roles and behaviors that reinforce the subordination of women. They may assume a passive, submissive or dependent position in their interpersonal relationships, believing that it is their duty to please and serve men. This attitude reflects an uncritical acceptance of gender-based power hierarchies.
Impact on autonomy and empowerment:
By internalizing patriarchy, sexist women limit their autonomy and capacity to fully develop as individuals. They are conditioned by restrictive gender roles that force them to meet external expectations instead of following their own desires and goals. This attitude can generate feelings of dissatisfaction and lack of personal fulfillment.
4. Delegitimization of feminism
Sexist women often delegitimize or openly reject feminism, considering it as a radical, unnecessary or harmful ideology. They may take an anti-feminist stance and criticize feminists for being exaggerated, aggressive, or problematic. This attitude reflects a lack of awareness about the history and importance of the feminist movement in the fight for gender equality.
Impact on gender awareness:
By delegitimizing feminism , sexist women deny the existence of gender inequality and minimize the need to work for its elimination. This attitude can make it difficult to raise awareness about patriarchal power structures and perpetuate the invisibility of the problems that affect women in society.
5. Internalization of misogyny
Finally, sexist women can internalize misogyny, that is, develop negative attitudes towards women themselves. They may adopt sexist prejudices and stereotypes, blame women for their own victimization, or even justify gender violence. This attitude reflects a deep alienation with respect to one's own gender identity and a lack of empathy towards other women.
Impact on mental health:
The internalization of misogyny can have serious consequences for women's mental health, generating feelings of self-hatred, guilt and anxiety. This attitude also makes solidarity and support between women difficult, as it fosters division and distancing instead of empathy and sisterhood.
In conclusion, sexist women exist and their attitudes contribute to perpetuating the gender inequality in society. Recognizing and challenging these attitudes is essential to move towards a more just and equal society for all people, regardless of their gender. The path to the transformation of patriarchal structures goes through individual and collective reflection on our own beliefs and behaviors, and through the construction of supportive and respectful alliances between women and men in the fight for gender equality.