Final answer:
Benevolent sexism at work may occur when women are discouraged from taking on challenging projects under the guise of protection, reinforcing stereotypes of fragility and incompetence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benevolent sexism is a form of discrimination that might seem positive or complimentary but still perpetuates inequality. A good example of benevolent sexism that a woman may encounter at work is when her male colleagues suggest she shouldn't work on a challenging project because they want to 'protect' her from stress or failure.
This form of sexism underestimates a woman's capabilities and reinforces gender stereotypes that women are fragile or less competent in demanding roles.
Sexism operates on both societal and individual levels, often dictating how genders should behave and the roles they should fulfill. In the workplace, sexism can manifest through gender role expectations and contribute to phenomena like the glass ceiling, an invisible barrier that hampers women's advancement to leadership positions or top-level jobs within organizations.
Even protective legislation or policies can inadvertently serve to hinder women's career progress when they embody gendered assumptions about women's roles in child-rearing and domestic responsibilities.
Being viewed negatively for trying to overcome traditional gender roles is an example of the double bind women often face, where they are penalized both for adhering to and for deviating from these roles. Acknowledging such biases and working towards greater gender equity in the workplace is an ongoing societal challenge.