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Sex Roles, Vol. 51, No. 3/4, August 2004 ( C 2004)Understanding Subtle Sexism: Detection and Use
of Sexist LanguageJanet K. Swim,1,3 Robyn Mallett,1 and Charles Stangor2In the present research we examined the association between Modern Sexist beliefs and identifying and engaging in subtle sexist behavior. In Study 1, we found that those who endorsed
Modern Sexist beliefs were less likely to detect the occurrence of normative sexist behavior(i.e., the use of sexist language), and this oversight was a function of their failure to define
such behavior as sexist. In Study 2, we found that those who endorsed Modern Sexist beliefs were more likely to use sexist language and less likely to use nonsexist language. Use of
nonsexist language was a function of personal definitions of sexist language. Results are discussed in terms of motivations to self-correct discriminatory behavior and conceptualizations
of current forms of sexism.KEY WORDS: sexist language; modern sexism; subtle sexism.Sexism comes in many different forms, including blatant, covert, and subtle sexism (Benokraitis &
Feagin, 1999). Blatant sexism is defined as obviously
unequal and unfair treatment of women relative to
men, whereas covert sexism is defined as unequal
and unfair treatment of women that is recognized
but purposefully hidden from view. Both blatant and
covert sexism are intended, but only covert sexism
is hidden. In comparison to these two forms, subtle
sexism represents unequal and unfair treatment of
women that is not recognized by many people because it is perceived to be normative, and therefore
does not appear unusual. Thus, like covert sexism,
subtle sexism is hidden but unlike covert sexism, subtle sexism is not intentionally harmful. Subtle sexism
is particularly interesting from both theoretical and
practical perspectives because it may be quite prevalent (Benokraitis & Feagin, 1999), and may have an
insidious impact on its victims (Swim, Hyers, Cohen,
Fitzgerald, & Bylsma, 2003).1Psychology Department, The Pennsylvania State University,
Pennsylvania.2Psychology Department, The University of Maryland, Maryland.3To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department
of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
Pennsylvania 16802; e-mail: [email protected] language is an example of subtle sexism
in that it consists of speech that reinforces and perpetuates gender stereotypes and status differences
between women and men (Banaji & Hardin, 1996;
Crawford, 2001; Gay, 1997; Maass & Arcuri, 1996;
McConnell &...