ambivalent sexism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (academic/technical term)Formal, academic, psychological/sociological discourse
Quick answer
What does “ambivalent sexism” mean?
A theoretical framework that posits sexism consists of two complementary ideologies: hostile sexism (negative attitudes toward women) and benevolent sexism (subjectively positive but patronizing attitudes).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theoretical framework that posits sexism consists of two complementary ideologies: hostile sexism (negative attitudes toward women) and benevolent sexism (subjectively positive but patronizing attitudes).
A dual-attitude system where individuals can simultaneously hold seemingly contradictory sexist beliefs, often manifesting in paternalistic protection, pedestal placement, or traditional gender role reinforcement alongside overt hostility toward women who challenge the status quo.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is equally academic in both variants.
Connotations
Identical conceptual connotations across variants.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic psychology literature due to the originators of the theory (Glick & Fiske), but widely adopted in British academia.
Grammar
How to Use “ambivalent sexism” in a Sentence
[Subject] demonstrates/exhibits/endorses ambivalent sexism.Ambivalent sexism toward(s) [target group] is prevalent.The study measured/correlated ambivalent sexism with [outcome].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ambivalent sexism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The research aimed to ambivalently sexism? (Not used as a verb)
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American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- His views were profoundly ambivalent-sexist? (Not standard adjectival use; use 'characterized by ambivalent sexism').
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in diversity training or analyses of workplace culture to explain how seemingly positive gender stereotypes (e.g., 'women are more nurturing') can still be harmful.
Academic
Core concept in social psychology, gender studies, and sociology for analyzing the complexity and persistence of sexist attitudes.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; may appear in advanced discussions about gender politics or media analysis.
Technical
Specific construct measured by psychological scales like the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ambivalent sexism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ambivalent sexism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ambivalent sexism”
- Using 'ambivalent' to mean the person is unsure, rather than the attitude having opposing valences. Treating it as a synonym for 'misogyny' (which is primarily hostile). Confusing it with 'internalized sexism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, because it reinforces traditional gender roles and implies women are weaker or best suited to limited domains, which restricts autonomy and justifies inequality.
Yes, individuals of any gender can endorse ambivalent sexist attitudes, including toward their own gender group (internalized sexism).
Typically via the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), a validated psychological scale with subscales for Hostile Sexism (HS) and Benevolent Sexism (BS).
Some argue it over-pathologizes traditional attitudes or that the 'benevolent' component is not experienced as harmful by all recipients, though it is correlated with system-justifying beliefs.
A theoretical framework that posits sexism consists of two complementary ideologies: hostile sexism (negative attitudes toward women) and benevolent sexism (subjectively positive but patronizing attitudes).
Ambivalent sexism is usually formal, academic, psychological/sociological discourse in register.
Ambivalent sexism: in British English it is pronounced /æmˈbɪv.ə.lənt ˈsek.sɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmˈbɪv.ə.lənt ˈsek.sɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AMBIVALENT SEXISM as having two faces (ambi = both): one frowns with HOSTILITY, the other smiles with false BENEVOLENCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JANUS-FACED ATTITUDE; A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF SEXISM; PSYCHOLOGICAL SCHRODINGER'S CAT (both hostile and benevolent until measured in context).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'benevolent sexism' within ambivalent sexism theory?