Misogyny can be subtle, hidden beneath seemingly harmless comments or behaviours, and sometimes, it’s difficult to spot until you’ve been exposed to it for a while. Misogynists often disguise their disdain for women under the guise of traditional values, humour, or “just the way things are.” Here are 20 traits that might reveal someone as a misogynist.
Minimising or Denying Misogyny
According to The Guardian, “most women believe sexism still exists but most men disagree,” and minimising or outright denying the existence of misogyny is a common trait of someone who has that mindset. They will claim that sexism is a thing of the past, that women have equal rights now, or that any talk of misogyny is simply “playing the victim.”
Dismissing Women’s Opinions
A key sign of misogyny is when someone consistently dismisses or downplays the opinions of women, whether it’s in a professional setting, a social gathering, or even in a personal relationship. A misogynist may interrupt, talk over, or outright ignore what women have to say.
Making Sexist Jokes
Humour is often used as a shield for sexism, and this person might regularly make jokes that belittle women or reinforce harmful stereotypes. When called out, they might defend their remarks by claiming it was “just a joke” or accuse others of being too sensitive.
Blaming Women for Their Problems
Misogynists frequently blame women for their own misfortunes, whether it’s in the context of relationships, work, or life in general. They might suggest that women are responsible for their own harassment, pay gaps, or relationship issues, and this victim-blaming mentality is a clear indicator of misogynistic thinking.
Believing in Traditional Gender Roles
While not everyone who believes in traditional gender roles is a person who doesn’t like women, those who rigidly enforce these roles and expect women to adhere to them without question often reveal misogynistic tendencies. This can include insisting that women should be homemakers, questioning the competence of women in leadership roles, or discouraging women from pursuing careers.
Displaying Hostility Towards Feminism
Sexist people often exhibit strong hostility towards feminism and feminist ideas. They may label feminists as “man-haters” or dismiss the movement as unnecessary or extreme, and such hostility often stems from a fear of losing the societal privileges that come with being male.
Objectifying Women
Often viewing women primarily as objects for male pleasure rather than as individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and ambitions, this can manifest in various ways, such as making inappropriate comments about a woman’s appearance, reducing women to their physical attributes, or treating women as trophies to be won. Objectification dehumanises women and reinforces the idea that their value lies solely in how they look.
Interrupting or Talking Over Women
If you’re constantly interrupting or talking over women during conversations, it’s a clear sign of misogyny. This behaviour suggests that the person believes their thoughts are more important or that they have the right to dominate the conversation—it’s a way of silencing women and asserting control.
Downplaying Women’s Achievements
These people often downplay or minimise the achievements of women, especially in areas traditionally dominated by men, because they might attribute a woman’s success to luck, affirmative action, or even suggest that she slept her way to the top. This belittling behaviour is rooted in the belief that women are less capable than men.
Criticising Women’s Emotions
Labeling women as overly emotional, irrational, or unstable is a common tactic used by misogynists to undermine them. They might dismiss a woman’s valid concerns or reactions as simply being “too emotional” or “hormonal,” and this criticism is often used to avoid addressing the substance of what a woman is saying and instead focuses on discrediting her.
Controlling Behaviour
Those who are hostile towards women often display controlling behaviour in relationships, whether romantic, professional, or familial, and this can include trying to dictate what a woman wears, who she spends time with, or how she should behave. Such controlling attitude stems from a belief that women are incapable of making their own decisions.
Devaluing “Women’s Work”
A common trait of misogyny is devaluing work that is traditionally done by women, such as caregiving, teaching, or homemaking. Misogynists often see these roles as less important or less worthy of respect compared to work typically done by men, and this attitude contributes to the gender pay gap, too.
Ignoring or Downplaying Women’s Experiences
Frequently ignoring or downplaying the experiences of women—especially when it comes to issues like sexual harassment, discrimination, or violence—they might accuse women of exaggerating or lying about their experiences. By dismissing women’s experiences, misogynists contribute to a culture of silence and denial, making it harder for women to speak out.
Supporting Inequitable Policies
Those who are prejudiced against women often support policies that disproportionately harm women or reinforce gender inequality. This could include opposing equal pay initiatives, reproductive rights, or parental leave for fathers, and by advocating for such policies, they reveal their belief that women should remain in a subordinate position.
Using Double Standards
Misogynists are often guilty of applying double standards when it comes to men and women, as they might hold women to higher moral or behavioural standards while excusing similar behaviour in men. For example, a misogynist might criticise a woman for being assertive or ambitious, while praising a man for the same traits.
Avoiding Responsibility
When things go wrong, sexist people often avoid taking responsibility, especially if a woman is involved. They might blame a woman for the failure of a project, a relationship, or even a minor mistake, while refusing to acknowledge their own role in the situation.
Showing Disdain for Female Authority
A person who dislikes women commonly has a hard time respecting female authority figures, whether in the workplace, in politics, or elsewhere, and they might therefore challenge or undermine a woman’s authority. This disdain for female leadership stems from the belief that women are less capable or deserving of power than men.
Using Gendered Insults
A tell-tale sign of misogyny is the use of gendered insults, such as calling a woman female-focused swear word or “hysterical.” These insults are designed to demean and belittle women, reducing them to negative stereotypes, and misogynists use these words to assert power and control over women.
Displaying Jealousy or Insecurity
Misogynists often display jealousy or insecurity, especially when women around them are successful or independent because they might feel threatened by a woman’s accomplishments. Such behaviour is often rooted in a fear of losing control or power, as they tend to equate their self-worth with dominance over women.
Belittling Women’s Interests
Finally, a common trait of being prejudiced against women is belittling or trivialising their interests, hobbies, or passions. Whether it’s dismissing a woman’s love for fashion, critiquing her taste in music, or mocking her enthusiasm for a particular subject, this behaviour is a way of invalidating women’s choices.
