Subtle Sexism: Current Practice and Prospects for Change [Paperback]

Nijole V. Benokraitis (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 1997

Systematically examining and documenting the range of discriminatory behaviour that many women experience on a daily basis, the editor of this volume demonstrates how subtle sexism devalues women and limits their work. Nijole V Benokraitis also explains how these practices can be challenged and changed.

The four parts cover: the continuing significance of sexism; subtle sexism in organizational settings; subtle sexism as social control; and how to change subtle sexism practices.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc (February 24, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761903860
• ISBN-13: 978-0761903864
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,917,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Nijole!!!, April 5, 2010

By 

Aaron Huus (Fargo, ND USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Subtle Sexism: Current Practice and Prospects for Change (Paperback)

Wow! I say this fairly often in the course of my fem-focused sociological studies, but this book has really opened my eyes. Before I read Dr. Benokraitis' work on this subject, I had no idea that sexism was so pervasive and so destructive. For example, I used to believe that people were being sexist whenever they made reference to the fact that I am a woman. Now I realize they're being sexist if they ignore that I am a woman, too - this effectively doubles the amount of discrimination I, and all my sisters, endure every day.

I've been able to generate a lot more indignation ever since completing this textbook. Sometimes I think about the days when I would sigh loudly at the use of the pronoun "he" when it could easily be replaced by the much more gender-tolerant "he/she/ey/e". It's the funniest thing - I would recognize that blatant and offensive sexism, but I'd be completely ignorant to the sexism of the very idea of the phrase "he/she"; why not "she/he"?! Oh, I'm sorry, did I shake up your worldview there, Mr. Man?

As mentioned before, this book has vastly improved my quality of life. Ever since I began pointing out the subtle sexism in my day to day life, my so-called "friends" have stopped hanging out with me (especially the male ones - guess they just can't deal with a strong, independent woman?), leaving me with much more free time to read up on more ways I can be outraged. And there's a lot to be outraged about! Workplace interactions, school, co-ed bathrooms, non-co-ed bathrooms, and oh so much more. But I wouldn't want to give too much of the book away!

The monolith of feminism is greatly strengthened with this book at the foundation. Kudos, Nijole Benokraitis, for allowing me to abandon the shackles of the patriarchy, one screechy diatribe at a time.