Cultural Sexism: The politics of feminist rage in the #metoo era

Cultural sexism is prevalent in the media, entertainment, and cultural industries, perpetuating patriarchal values. Heather Savigny highlights five key traits of cultural sexism, such as violence, silencing, disciplining, meritocracy, and masculinity, and argues that we need to understand why #MeToo was necessary to bring about impactful, lasting, and meaningful change.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 184 pages
\n Publication date: 08 December 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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Gender power is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the ways in which societal norms, institutions, and cultural attitudes shape the distribution of power and resources between men and women. It operates on multiple levels, including social, economic, and political, and has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

One of the key aspects of gendered power is the perpetuation of sexist values and stereotypes. Cultural sexism, as highlighted by Heather Savigny, refers to the pervasive and normalized attitudes, behaviors, and practices that reinforce gender inequality and perpetuate sexist beliefs. These traits include violence, silencing, disciplining, meritocracy, and masculinity, which are prevalent across the media, entertainment, and cultural industries.

Violence is a particularly significant aspect of gendered power. Women are often subjected to physical and sexual violence, both in public and private spaces, as a result of gender-based discrimination and inequality. This violence can take many forms, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and femicide, and has profound consequences for women's physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being.

Silencing is another key trait of gendered power. Women are often marginalized and silenced in public discourse, particularly in areas where they are underrepresented or have less power. This can take the form of sexist jokes, comments, and dismissals, as well as the exclusion of women from important decision-making processes. Silencing prevents women from speaking out about their experiences and from advocating for their rights and interests.

Disciplining is another aspect of gendered power that operates on both social and economic levels. Women are often subjected to harsher disciplinary measures than men, particularly in schools and workplaces. This can take the form of lower pay, fewer opportunities for advancement, and less support for women's health and well-being. Disciplining also reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women are less capable and responsible than men.

Meritocracy is another aspect of gendered power that operates on the social and economic levels. Women are often underrepresented in positions of power and leadership, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is due in part to gender-based discrimination and inequality, as well as the lack of support and resources for women in these fields. Meritocracy reinforces the idea that women are less capable and deserving of leadership positions than men.

Masculinity is another key trait of gendered power that operates on both social and cultural levels. Men are often expected to embody traditional masculine traits, such as aggression, dominance, and independence, while women are expected to embody traditional feminine traits, such as passivity, submission, and nurturance. Masculinity is reinforced through media portrayals, advertising, and cultural norms, which promote the idea that men are superior to women and that women are inferior.

The normalization of misogyny in popular media, culture, news, and politics is a significant factor in perpetuating gendered power. Popular media often portrays women in stereotypical and demeaning ways, such as as sex objects, domestic helpers, or victims. This reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women are less capable and deserving of respect and equality. Similarly, news and political discourse often exclude women from important discussions and decision-making processes, which further marginalizes their voices and perpetuates gender inequality.

Understanding why #MeToo was necessary in the first place is crucial in bringing about impactful, lasting, and meaningful change. #MeToo was a movement that emerged in response to the widespread prevalence of sexual harassment and assault against women. It highlighted the fact that women had been silenced and marginalized for far too long and that their voices needed to be heard and respected. #MeToo also brought attention to the fact that sexual harassment and assault were not isolated incidents, but rather were a widespread problem that affected women across all industries and all walks of life.

To challenge gendered power, we need to address the root causes of sexist values and stereotypes. This includes challenging cultural sexism, promoting gender equality, and advocating for women's rights and interests. This can take many forms, including education and awareness-raising, policy change, and cultural transformation.

Education and awareness-raising are crucial in challenging gendered power. This can include teaching children about gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes from a young age. It can also include providing women with access to education and training opportunities, as well as promoting gender diversity in the workplace.

Policy change is also an important aspect of challenging gendered power. This can include implementing laws and policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay laws, anti-discrimination laws, and policies that support women's health and well-being. It can also include promoting gender diversity in the workplace and addressing gender-based discrimination and inequality in all areas of society.

Cultural transformation is another important aspect of challenging gendered power. This can include promoting positive portrayals of women in media and popular culture, as well as challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. It can also include promoting gender equality in sports, politics, and other areas of society.

In conclusion, gendered power is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the ways in which societal norms, institutions, and cultural attitudes shape the distribution of power and resources between men and women. The perpetuation of sexist values and stereotypes, including violence, silencing, disciplining, meritocracy, and masculinity, is a significant aspect of gendered power. To challenge gendered power, we need to address the root causes of sexist values and stereotypes, promote gender equality, and advocate for women's rights and interests. This can take many forms, including education and awareness-raising, policy change, and cultural transformation. By working together to challenge gendered power, we can create a more equitable and just society for all.

\n Weight: 238g\n
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529206456\n \n