Diversity & Equality in Health and Care Open Access

Relationship to Gender and Sexual Orientation

Chiara Reale^* Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
^*Correspondence: Chiara Reale, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada, Email:

Received: 02-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. ipdehc-23-18614; Editor assigned: 04-Oct-2023, Pre QC No. ipdehc-23-18614; Reviewed: 18-Oct-2023, QC No. ipdehc-23-18614; Revised: 23-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. ipdehc-23-18614; Published: 30-Oct-2023, DOI: 10.21767/2049-5471.20.05.44

Description

Sexism, a pervasive and deeply ingrained social issue, manifests in various forms and impacts individuals across the globe. Rooted in historical inequalities and perpetuated by cultural norms, sexism reinforces discriminatory attitudes and behaviour based on gender. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted nature of sexism, examining its historical context, manifestations in contemporary society, and the consequences it imposes on individuals and communities. Sexism has historical roots deeply embedded in societal structures, where power imbalances between genders were institutionalized. From the denial of basic rights to women to the reinforcement of gender roles, history reflects a narrative of systemic discrimination. The fight for women’s suffrage and the feminist movements of the 20th century marked significant milestones in challenging traditional gender norms, yet remnants of historical sexism persist today. Sexism often thrives on rigid gender stereotypes that dictate how individuals should behave based on their gender. This includes expectations regarding appearance, interests, and career choices. For example, the notion that certain professions are more suitable for men while others are reserved for women perpetuates inequality in the workplace. Wage Gap: Despite advancements in women’s rights, a persistent gender pay gap continues to exist in many parts of the world. Women, on average, earn less than their male counterparts for the same work. This economic disparity reflects deep-seated biases that undervalue women’s contributions. Sexism is evident in the objectification of individuals based on their gender. Women, in particular, often face the dehumanizing consequences of objectification, with media and popular culture frequently reducing them to mere objects of desire rather than recognizing their intellect, skills, and capabilities. Subtle, everyday instances of sexism, known as micro-aggressions, contribute to a hostile environment for individuals of marginalized genders. These can include dismissive comments, belittling language, or the undermining of achievements based on gender. Sexism takes a toll on individuals’ mental health, fostering feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety. Constant exposure to discriminatory attitudes can lead to imposter syndrome and limit one’s potential. Sexism perpetuates gender disparities in various fields, leading to the underrepresentation of women and marginalized genders in politics, business, and STEM fields. This lack of representation further reinforces stereotypes and hinders progress toward equality. Sexism contributes to a culture of violence and harassment, where individuals are targeted based on their gender. This can range from domestic violence to street harassment, creating an unsafe environment for many. The development and evolution of health organizations cannot succeed without giving importance to the needs and individual goals of employees. According to the above, it seems that the attribution of meaning to work is an intended psychological condition for these organizations as it can not only align the organizational with individual goals but also contribute to the utilization of the potential of human resources with multiplying benefits for both the organization itself as well as for the employees in it. Thus, meaningful work has mostly been shown to be an important factor contributing to employee well-being.

Conclusion

Addressing sexism requires a collective effort to challenge and dismantle deeply ingrained prejudices. Education, advocacy, and policy changes are essential components of this process. By fostering a society that values equality and dismantles gender- based stereotypes, we can strive to create a world where individuals are judged on their abilities and character rather than their gender. It is through these collective efforts that we can unravel the threads of sexism, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict Of Interest

The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.