A new study from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the largest of its kind, finds that sexism fuels gender inequality and contributes to broader social harms. These include weaker economies, anti-democratic attitudes, higher rates of violence, and poorer health outcomes worldwide.
The researchers examined two types of sexism: hostile sexism, which targets women who challenge traditional norms, and benevolent sexism, which promotes patronizing attitudes and traditional gender roles. Participants rated statements like “women should be cherished and protected by men” (benevolent sexism) and “women seek to gain power by controlling men” (hostile sexism).
The study found that men were more likely than women to endorse both forms of sexism. However, in countries where men scored high on hostile sexism, women tended to endorse benevolent sexism more, reflecting a dynamic described as the “protection racket.” Here, fear of hostility leads women to accept attitudes that promise male protection, idealization, and affection.
Slippery slope
National averages of benevolent sexism were linked to greater acceptance of intimate violence, fewer women in paid work, and a larger gender gap in domestic labor. Hostile and benevolent sexism were also tied to broader negative outcomes, including reduced economic productivity, more conflict, less democratic governance, and shorter healthy lifespans for both genders.
The study included England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all ranking among the least sexist nations. English men had the 19th lowest hostile sexism score and 14th lowest benevolent sexism score out of 62 nations. Welsh men ranked 16th and 9th, respectively, while Northern Irish men ranked 17th and 10th.
“Gender equality benefits everyone, regardless of gender,” the researchers explain. Countries with higher sexism levels experience a cascade of problems, from weaker economies to poorer health outcomes. Importantly, these harms stem not only from overt hostility but also from subtle, patronizing attitudes that falsely promise protection and idealization.
The authors conclude: “Supporting gender equality is in everyone’s interest—women, men, and national governments alike.”
