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Sexism in the Workplace

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Sexism in the Workplace
Discrimination can be expressed in many different ways, which n no matter can be very hurtful to a person. Discrimination itself means making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit (Merriam-Webster). One way of expressing discrimination is denying one a job because of his/her race or gender, or treating others unfairly because of his/her race or gender. Discrimination can lead to quitting a job, and possibly doing something harmful to oneself or to the aggressor. Different ways of discrimination occurs very often in the workplace. The most common would be, sexism against women; because men are the more dominant figure in today s society they receive more jobs, than do women
Sexism is described as “discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex as in restricted job opportunities; especially, such discrimination directed against women.” (Merriam-Webster) Since the beginning of history, sexism has always been a prominent barrier between sexes. The notion that women are not on the same level as men has always been in existence. Children learn from their parents and society the conception of "feminine" and "masculine." (Leon-Guerrero) Much about these conceptions is not biological at all but cultural.
Sexism in education is clearly associated with sexism in the workplace. When women are expected to “stay in the home,” they are unable to access the necessary educational resources to compete with men in the job market. If by chance they are able to secure a position, women may be less prepared educationally for the task, and thus draw lower wages. When you think of a CEO of a company or of world political leaders, do you think of a man or of a woman? Many, if not most of us, see these positions as being held by men. There is more sexism in the workplace than we could ever imagine but it is so important for us to be aware of this.
Women in



Cited: Berg, Barbara J. "Feminism Takes Flight." Sexism in America: Alive, Well, and Ruining Our Future. Chicago, IL: Lawrence Hill, 2009. 19-22. Print. Berg, Barbara J. "Trouble @edu." Sexism in America: Alive, Well, and Ruining Our Future. Chicago, IL: Lawrence Hill, 2009. 171-87. Print. Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 10 May 2011. . Feminist Majority Foundation - Breaking News, Feminism from Affirmative Action to Sexual Harassment to Women 's Sports. Web. 7 May 2011. . Leon-Guerrero, Anna. Social Problems: Community, Policy, and Social Action. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge, 2011. Print. "Male–female Income Disparity in the United States." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 10 May 2011. . "Sexism." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 7 May 2011. . "Total Money Earnings in 2005." Annual Demographic Survey. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census, 2005. Web. 6 May 2011. . Women, Audience --. "U.S. Department of Labor -- Find It! By Audience -- omen." The U.S. Department of Labor Home Page. Web. 10 May 2011. .

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