The word "sexist" is spelled with the letters s-e-x-i-s-t-s. It is pronounced /ˈsɛksɪsts/. The first syllable, "sex," is pronounced with a short "e" sound (as in "red") followed by the consonant blend "ks." The second syllable, "ist," is pronounced with a short "i" sound (as in "hit") followed by the consonant sound "st." The plural form of this word adds an extra "s" to the end, resulting in the word "sexists." It is used to describe people or beliefs that discriminate against individuals based on their gender.
Sexists is the plural form of the noun sexist, which refers to individuals who hold or display discriminatory attitudes or beliefs based on gender. Someone who is described as sexist adheres to ideas or practices that perpetuate inequality between men and women, typically favoring the superiority of one gender over the other. Sexism can manifest in various forms, ranging from overt expressions of prejudice to more subtle acts of discrimination or bias.
Sexists often uphold traditional gender roles and stereotypes, which relegate women to submissive or domestic roles while asserting male dominance and superiority. They may actively promote and reinforce these gender norms in their speech, actions, or policies, thus perpetuating gender inequality.
Sexism can be evident in different realms of life, including education, employment, politics, and social interactions. For instance, sexist practices can be observed in instances of gender pay gaps, barriers to women's professional advancement, objectification of women's bodies, or dismissive attitudes towards women's abilities and opinions. Sexists often undermine the worth and agency of individuals based on their gender, leading to the marginalization and oppression of women in various aspects of society.
Efforts to combat sexism involve raising awareness about gender equality, promoting inclusivity, and challenging deep-rooted stereotypes. Addressing sexism requires not only changing individual attitudes but also transforming societal structures and norms to create a more equitable and just society.
The term "sexists" is derived from the noun "sexism", which originated in the mid-20th century. It is formed by combining the word "sex" with the suffix "-ism", which denotes a belief system or ideology. The word "sexism" was first used in feminist literature during the 1960s to describe discriminatory attitudes, actions, or policies based on a person's sex/gender. Over time, the term "sexists" came into usage to refer to individuals who hold or express sexist beliefs or engage in sexist behavior.