Definition
Structural sexism refers to discriminatory beliefs or practices on the basis of sex and gender that are entrenched in societal frameworks and which result in fairly predictable disparities in social outcomes related to power, resources, and opportunities. Sexism is structural when it is integral to how a society is organized, which can be observed in its institutions, systems, and/or patterns of social relations. Structural sexism also functions to normalize and legitimate such beliefs, practices, and inequalities of conditions and outcomes.
Introduction
This entry explores the concept of structural sexism, which encompasses a broad range of social phenomena related sex- and gender-based discrimination, disparities, and injustices. The following offers an introduction to the term by first discussing its foundational concepts and theories in terms of social structure and social constructionism related to gender and sexuality and patriarchy as a gender system intersecting with...
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Javidan, P. (2021). Structural Sexism: Foundations, Reproduction, and Responses. In: Leal Filho, W., Azul, A.M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., Özuyar, P.G., Wall, T. (eds) Reduced Inequalities. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71060-0_90-1
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