Final answer:
Sexism is prejudice and discrimination based on sex, often manifesting in societal gender role expectations and unequal employment opportunities. It encompasses individual, institutional, and societal discrimination, and is supported by gender stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sexism is a form of prejudice and discrimination based on sex. It can manifest in various ways, from fostering gender role stereotypes—such as the expectation for women to be primary caretakers of the home—to disparities in employment opportunities and wages. Sexism can occur on individual, institutional, and societal levels. Notably, sexism affects access to jobs, as women are often less likely to be hired or promoted in male-dominated fields, despite having similar qualifications. The effects of sexism are seen in societal expectations, where behaviors that deviate from the expected gender roles can result in social backlash, such as the double bind experienced by women when they act assertively in professional settings.
Another aspect of sexism is the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, which are oversimplified generalizations about how each gender should act or are perceived. These stereotypes are deeply ingrained in social practices and institutions, leading to systemic discrimination, such as unequal pay for equal work. Instances of sexism in history, like the refusal to grant Mary Whiton Calkins a PhD solely because of her gender, illustrate the ongoing struggle against gender-based discrimination.