From the sexualized Kamala t-shirts to the way women are treated in areas such as caregiving, menstruation, and menopause, misogyny is pervasive in our society.
Misogyny is defined as the hatred, contempt, or prejudice against women or girls, which keeps them at a lower social status than men, perpetuating the social roles of patriarchy. Misogyny can manifest in obvious and subtle ways, affecting women in various aspects of their lives.
Feminist scholars like Andrea Dworkin and Kate Manne have shed light on the insidious nature of misogyny in our culture. Dworkin argues that society regards women as contemptible and subjects them to violence and discrimination, while Manne describes misogyny as a shock collar that enforces women’s subordination in a patriarchal society.
The demographics most affected by misogyny is also alarming, with BIPOC women experiencing its effects in conjunction with racism. From medical research to athletics and law enforcement, examples of misogyny in plain sight illustrate the lack of value placed on women in our society.
Finally, there’s the importance of fighting misogyny in the workplace, advocating for oneself, and celebrating International Women’s Day. There are so many amazing women and influential figures like Drew Afualo, who uses her platform to combat misogyny and empower women.
Join us as we unravel the complex web of misogyny, sexism, and patriarchy, and explore ways to challenge these harmful ideologies in our daily lives.
Good Reads:
Kate Manne: The Shock Collar That Is Misogyny
Celebrating International Women’s Day! [2024 DEI Resources] | Diversity for Social Impact
How Misogyny Became Part of Our Culture & Workplaces | InHerSight
How to Fight Misogyny in the Workplace | Inc.com