A study published in Sex Roles made shocking revelations about a much-overlooked and little-known form of gender discrimination in the workplace. Women who speak out about discriminatory and prejudicial attitudes of a female supervisor in the workplace are often dismissed. Instead, they face doubt, disbelief, and humiliating judgment. Women who report sexual behavior by another female employee are taken less seriously than men who make allegations. Gender discrimination of any kind is harmful, especially for women, as their experiences are often underestimated and undervalued.
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Female supervisors reject gender discrimination faced by female employees
Researchers conducted three experiments to understand how study participants viewed claims of sexism depending on whether the accused supervisor was male or female. They were given a scenario, involving a woman named Chelsea who claimed she was denied a promotion because of sexism. The main difference in each experiment was the gender of the observer, whether male or female. Throughout the experiments, results consistently showed that participants dismissed Chelsea’s claims when the perpetrator was a woman and considered it less legitimate. Additionally, they were more likely to perceive Chelsea as the ‘complainant’ when faced with discrimination from another woman.
This indicates a common belief in workplaces, that women support and support each other. However, this is not universally true, as women in leadership roles often display sexist behavior toward and discriminate against their female subordinates. Some major discriminatory practices include not supporting equal pay or adequate promotions. Sexism directed at women by other women is not considered legitimate and is not taken as seriously.
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Why is female-directed sexism ignored?
The research goes into detail about the possible causes of this form of discrimination, which seems shocking. Generally, discrimination occurs between a privileged dominant group and a less privileged group. But everyone here expects women to understand each other’s problems and troubles. One woman discriminating against another does not fit the typical picture of discrimination and sexism in popular beliefs.
In some way or the other, every woman, especially in the workplace, is expected to go through similar situations, making it easier to empathize with each other. As a result, when a woman speaks out against a female perpetrator of gender discrimination, it is often assumed that she is ‘complaining too much.’
Broadly speaking, sexism is conceived as male-oriented. Therefore, female-directed sexism is often ignored. This has negative consequences in the workplace because if a woman reports female-directed sexism and is silenced by being deemed overly sensitive, others may feel discouraged and hesitant to speak out against sexist behavior, especially From a woman who allows it to continue.
The researchers highlight the importance of accepting all forms of sexism without bias or judgment, which will help create a more inclusive and healthy workplace. Discrimination against women should be given the same importance as gender claims against a man.
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