In an analysis of 62 nations around the world, a new study published in Social Psychological & Personality Science has found evidence that gender equality benefits not just women’s outcomes, but men’s outcomes and the overall success and well-being of countries.
The study authors examined each country’s prevalence of two different kinds of sexism: hostile sexism (overt hostility towards “non-traditional” women and a desire to punish women who break norms) and benevolent sexism (superficial and patronizing positivity towards women that rewards “traditional” behavior and offers male protection).
They found that people who held benevolent sexist views were more likely to hold hostile sexist views as well. Furthermore, as hostile sexism increased among a country’s male population, women were more likely to embrace benevolent sexism. Among countries with high rates of sexism, the authors found a correlation with “generally dysfunctional national outcomes,” such as lower economic productivity, higher rates of violence, anti-democratic tendencies, and lower life expectancy for everyone, regardless of gender.
In addition to authors from the United Kingdom., Poland, Canada, and Chile, the research team included American-based scholars from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and the University of South Florida.