In contemporary discussions surrounding misogyny, figures like Andrew Tate and the ‘manosphere’ often take centre stage, overshadowing a more subtle form known as ‘soft sexism.’ This phenomenon, likened to the "polite cousin of outright misogyny," encompasses everyday behaviours and comments that perpetuate gender stereotypes and inequalities.
Academic and activist Tarang Chawla highlights this issue through a recent viral video featuring Chris Griffin, co-host of The Pocket Podcast. Griffin’s remarks drew criticism for suggesting that he prefers not to have a working female partner due to the potential for her to "complain" about her day at work. He expressed a desire for her to engage in leisure activities instead, implying that her primary role should be to provide emotional support for him.
Critics argue that such statements contribute to harmful notions, especially considering the prevalence of financial dependency on male partners, which can lead to financial abuse. Griffin defended his remarks by claiming that men and women are equal but inherently different in their emotional and biological make-up. Chawla counters this by asserting that promoting rigid gender roles is indicative of soft sexism, which often goes unnoticed as it aligns with societal attitudes towards gender inequality in Australia.
This insidious form of sexism manifests in various everyday contexts, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and minimising women’s experiences. It’s often found in jokes, remarks that downplay women’s anger, and the depiction of controlling behaviour as care. For younger men, such messages can create a false narrative that passivity towards equality or performative kindness is a remedy for toxic masculinity.
Given that a significant portion of Australians, particularly Gen Z, rely on social media for news, the impact of such narratives cannot be underestimated. Alarmingly, many Australians still hold antiquated views, with a noteworthy percentage dismissing sexist comments as harmless or assuming that women misinterpret polite remarks.
The potential escalation from soft sexism to more extreme views is concerning. Professor Molly Dragiewicz from Griffith University indicates that extremist groups often recruit young men through seemingly benign discussions about their issues with women, suggesting that underlying values must be scrutinised rather than just the language used.
With the gender pay gap in Australia at 12% and staggering statistics about women’s experiences of violence and harassment, there is an urgent call for change. As Dragiewicz states, sexism is pervasive in mainstream culture, necessitating a collective effort to challenge it in all aspects of life.
Chawla urges men in Australia to actively confront and oppose sexism, not just to support women but to set a commendable precedent for future generations. Ignoring these subtleties only facilitates the continued normalisation of sexism, making it easier to dismiss or excuse abusive behaviours.