Final answer:
Negative and irrational attitudes towards women or minorities encompass misogyny, sexist microaggressions, and institutionalized sexism, leading to discrimination in various aspects of society including the media, employment, healthcare, and education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The display of negative, irrational attitudes toward women or minorities is referred to as prejudice or discrimination, which can manifest in various forms such as misogyny, sexist microaggressions, disenfranchisement, and institutionalized sexism. In the context of gender, misogyny is the socialized prejudice against women, which sometimes is coupled with racism, as in the case of misogynoir, specifically targeting Black women. The media plays a role in reinforcing gender stereotypes, emphasizing superficial attributes over skills and disparaging women who defy societal norms.
Such attitudes can lead to discriminatory behaviors, exemplified by the historical case of Mary Whiton Calkins who, despite fulfilling all the requirements for a PhD, was denied the degree by Harvard solely due to her being a woman. Sexism is not just an individual issue but also exists on a societal level influencing various aspects of life, including employment, healthcare, and the perception of individuals within the community. For instance, women are less likely to be hired or promoted in fields traditionally dominated by men, a reflection of systemic gender bias. Furthermore, diagnoses in mental health care may also showcase gender biases, with conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) being disproportionately diagnosed in women, potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Misogynists and other intolerant individuals often fail to recognize the value in critical thinking, instead promoting a form of uncritical tolerance that can perpetuate prejudice. Holding stereotypes and harboring prejudice can result in exclusion, avoidance, and biased treatment of group members, further contributing to the disenfranchisement of women and reinforcing their status as second-class citizens which many find increasingly unacceptable.