Noun

1. The belief that people of one sex or gender are inherently superior to people of the other sex or gender.

   The notion that either gender is smarter or stronger is sexism.

2. Unfair treatment or discrimination based on a difference of sex or gender.

   The fact that there is only one woman in a management position in that company makes it easy to believe that sexism runs rampant there.

3. Disadvantage or unequal opportunity arising from the cultural dominance of one gender over the other.

   In order to succeed in this company, women generally must acquire various masculine traits, which only points out the underlying sexism.

4. Promotion or expectation or assumption of people to behave in accordance with or deviate from a gender role.

   Hollywood contributes to sexism in our society by making and promoting violent films for men and romantic comedies for women.

See also

• ableism
• ageism
• alphabetism
• bigotry
• chauvinism
• discrimination
• heterosexism
• homophobia
• racism
• religionism