What is Misogyny?

Misogyny is hatred or contempt for women. Although this phenomenon has existed for centuries, the term "misogyny" appeared only in the 17th century. It comes from the ancient Greek words "μῖσος" (mīsos) - hatred and "γυνή" (gyn ⁇ ) - woman. This phenomenon manifests itself in various forms - from rude jokes to discrimination against women in professional and social life. If earlier it could be attributed to certain cultural or religious prejudices, today, at a time of equal rights, misogyny is an indicator of much more complex social processes.

Misogyny, unfortunately, has a long history. In many cultures of the world, women were perceived as "lower" or "weaker" beings. In ancient Greece, for example, philosophers such as Aristotle considered women to be imperfect men, and in the Middle Ages, religion often depicted women as sinners and a source of temptation. These ideas were so firmly established in society that misogyny became part of culture for centuries.

These views mutated over time, but did not disappear anywhere. In the 20th century, women began to actively fight for their rights, and many things changed. But even after women gained the right to vote, access to education and equal opportunities at work, misogyny found other, less obvious ways of being. She did not disappear, but only "disguised herself" under the guise of familiar, sometimes even imperceptible stereotypes.

Misogyny in modern society can look like familiar, seemingly innocent things. For example, when a woman is not allowed to speak at a meeting, although she is an expert on the topic. Or when her achievements are attributed to her appearance, they say she succeeded because of her beauty, not because of her intelligence or hard work. Misogyny can often be heard in everyday life, in the form of humiliating jokes or phrases aimed at devaluing women.

This phenomenon is especially evident in social networks. For example, when successful women are convicted of their decisions or appearance. The Internet, unfortunately, has become a place where misogyny manifests itself in the form of hate, sexist comments and cyberbullying. Women who publicly express their opinions often face aggression and insults precisely because they are women.

Misogyny can be either overt or covert. Here are some examples of its manifestations:

Contempt or humiliation: it can be in the form of open insults or rude jokes directed at women.

Stereotypes and prejudices: This is when women are attributed certain traits because of their gender, such as claiming that women are "emotional", "unable to lead", or "intended for domestic work".

Ignoring or denying the right to vote: when women are not listened to in work or social situations just because of their gender.

Denial of equal opportunities: when women are denied career opportunities or deliberately underpaid because they are women.

Culture also plays an important role in the preservation and spread of misogyny. Movies, books, songs, and shows often use images of women as weak, dependent, or existing only for the pleasure of men. This forms the notion that women are "less important" or "intended for other roles". These ideas enter the subconscious and become part of our thinking, even if we don't notice it.

Of course you can. But for this, it is necessary to constantly work on changing not only one's own thinking, but also society as a whole. First of all, you need to understand the problem. Misogyny is often so common that many people do not even notice its manifestations. Talking about it, raising equality issues and treating women's opinions and choices with respect are the first steps towards change.

Education and awareness-raising are the key. Each of us can change the situation if we talk about it, ask questions and demand equality. It is also important to support women who face discrimination, rather than standing aside.