How To Address Subtle, ‘Friendly’ Sexism At Work
Preview:
Benevolent sexism, which is sometimes described as “subtle” or “friendly” sexism, is often ignored.
We simply don't talk about it enough.
That’s why many of us don’t know how to respond when a colleague apologizes for cursing, asking forgiveness from the only woman at the conference table (which implies she is delicate and in need of special protection). And it’s why we don’t know what to do when one of the women at a weekly meeting is described as a “meticulous notetaker.” This description, more often than not, happens before she gets saddled with typing up and distributing meeting notes – and inevitably – other “office housework” in the future.
Originally published: January 7, 2020
Author: Sian Beilock
Position: President
Institution: Barnard College
Published by: Forbes