The word "misandries" is spelled with the prefix "mis-" meaning "hatred or dislike" combined with the root word "andros" meaning "man." This results in the meaning of the word as "hatred or dislike towards men." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /mɪˈsændriːz/. This breaks down to "mih-san-drees" with emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling and pronunciation of this word is important in discussions of gender equality and discrimination against men.
Misandry is a noun that refers to an intense and deep-seated aversion, prejudice, or hatred towards men or boys. It is the opposite of misogyny, which is the aversion, prejudice, or hatred towards women or girls. The term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "misos," meaning "hatred," and "andr," meaning "man." It signifies a systematic and ingrained bias against men as a gender.
Misandry encompasses beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that undermine, belittle, or discriminate against men solely on the basis of their gender. It may manifest in different ways such as generalizing negative stereotypes about men, dismissing their experiences and emotions, advocating for unequal treatment or rights, or promoting harmful assumptions about their capabilities. Misandry can also occur at both individual and societal levels, influencing interpersonal interactions, cultural norms, or institutional practices.
While it is essential to address instances of discrimination and inequality, misandry as an ideology should not be confused with legitimate criticism of male privilege or societal patriarchy. Misandry implies an irrational or generalized contempt towards men, rather than a critique of systemic power structures. Both misogyny and misandry perpetuate harmful divisions based on gender, hindering progress towards gender equality. Promoting understanding, empathy, and challenging gender stereotypes and biases are crucial steps in combating both misandry and misogyny, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equality for all.
The word misandry is derived from combining two Greek roots: misos meaning hatred and andros meaning man or male. The suffix -y is added to misandry to form the noun. Therefore, misandry translates to hatred of men.