The Feminist Vocabulary

Language Matters. It's important to understand the different words that are used to refer to different words used to reference different things within the realm of feminism and sexism. Below, you can find a list of feminist vocabulary

Feminism

While many people think feminism promotes women over men, the dictionary definiton of feminism is "the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power and opportunities as men and be treated the same way." It also encompasses the different movements and actions taken in order to achieve equality.

Sexism

The dictionary definition of sexism is "the belief that the members of one sex are less intelligent, able, skilful, etc. than members of the other sex." This is usually when men are considered more able than women, though it can go the other way.

Hostile Sexism

Hostile sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on hatred or dislike towards a gender. It covers issues such as gender-based violence, insulting and objectifying.

Benevolent Sexism

Benevolent sexism is prejudice or stereotyping that is well-meant or based off good intentions. Benevolent sexism is often not as obvious or noticed than hostile sexism, as it covers issues such as believing that men have a duty to protect women due to their gender.

Internalised Sexism

Internalised sexism is sexist beliefs and attitudes that a person develops subconsciously, often learnt through family, religion, society, media, etc. It often leads to a worldview with beliefs such as one gender is weaker than the other.

Patriarchy

The literal translation of 'Patriarchy' is 'Rule of the Father.' Patriarchy is a system within which men are considered superior. In patriarchal society, men mostly have the control and decision-making power and women are considered subordinate.

Misogyny

Misogyny is the explicit hatred of women, leading to discrimination, hostile sexism and humiliation.

Misogynoir

Misogynoir is both a sexism and racism issue. It is a term coined for misogyny specifically directed towards black women.

Misandry

Misandry is the explicit hatred and prejudice towards men. While often confused with feminism, misandrists think women are better than men while feminists think both are equal. Misogyny and misandry are both issues.

Androcentrism

Androcentrism is when the world is unconsciously looked at through a perspective where men are the norm and women are a marginalized community. The English language itself is an example of this. Mankind, Human, Female.

Mansplaining

Let me clear - there is a difference between a man explaining something to a woman and mansplaining. Mansplaining is when a man explains something to a woman, usually in a condescending way, under the assumption that she needs him to explain it because she can't understand it, even if she knows more about the topic than he does.

Himpathy

Himpathy, a term coined by Kate Manne, is used to describe disproportionate sympathy towards men for misogynistic actions, such as Gender-Based Violence, coming from the words him and sympathy. It's a word used to describe the boys will be boys mindset