Understanding Misogyny: Definition, Causes, and Effects

Krystal Kavita Jagoo, a dedicated social worker advocating for anti-oppressive practices, has contributed to academic discussions across Canadian institutions. Her essay, “Inclusive Reproductive Justice,” is featured in the Reproductive Justice Briefing Book.

Misogyny is the act of punishing women who challenge male authority and dominance. While it often stems from deep-seated animosity toward women, it is distinct from sexism.

Commonly confused with sexism—the discrimination and hatred against women—misogyny specifically refers to extreme hostility and violence targeted at women.

The understanding of misogyny evolved notably in 2012 when Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard condemned misogynistic behavior in Parliament, bringing widespread attention to the term.

Following this, Australia's Macquarie Dictionary broadened the definition of misogyny to include ingrained prejudice against women.

A 2015 study analyzing Australian media coverage after Gillard’s speech revealed how accusations of misogyny were frequently dismissed or downplayed, perpetuating gender inequality.

This example highlights the complex challenge women face: confronting misogyny risks backlash, yet ignoring it allows harmful attitudes to persist.

Recognizing Misogyny

Misogyny can be blatant or subtle. Indicators include:

• Expressing hatred toward women
• Harassing or catcalling women
• Prioritizing men over women
• Rigid adherence to traditional gender roles
• Disrespecting women’s time and contributions
• Interrupting or talking over women
• Dismissing or stealing women’s ideas without credit
• Blaming women for conflicts and expecting them to maintain peace
• Penalizing women who speak out against discrimination

While men often exhibit these behaviors, internalized misogyny can lead women to enforce these harmful norms as well.

The Mechanics of Misogyny

In her book Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny, Kate Manne explains that misogyny functions to uphold male dominance by enforcing societal norms through policing behavior, citing cases like Elliot Rodger’s 2014 violence and Purvi Patel’s 2015 sentencing.

Distinguishing Sexism from Misogyny

Manne clarifies that sexism justifies patriarchal systems, whereas misogyny enforces and polices these systems’ rules.

Women often endure misogyny from men, but may also internalize these beliefs, policing themselves and others to avoid punishment, thus perpetuating the cycle.

Origins of Misogyny

Misogyny develops through personal experiences, upbringing, social influences, and cultural norms, including:

• Exposure to misogynistic behavior during childhood or from role models
• Growing up in environments where misogyny is normalized, including exposure to domestic violence
• Cultural and religious beliefs that devalue women

Consequences of Misogyny

Research shows misogyny adversely affects women’s mental health, increasing risks of depression, psychological distress, poor self-rated health, and reduced life satisfaction.

Women are disproportionately affected by anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and other conditions, often linked to chronic stress and trauma from discrimination and gender inequality.

Sexist microaggressions contribute to anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem, with prolonged exposure leading to trauma symptoms.

Misogyny Online: A Modern Challenge

Online platforms can amplify misogyny with severe real-world consequences.

#GamerGate

The #GamerGate controversy began in 2014 with false accusations against Zoe Quinn, leading to targeted harassment, doxxing, and threats. The campaign expanded to other women in gaming, such as Brianna Wu and Anita Sarkeesian.

Harassment extended offline with incidents like “swatting,” where police were falsely dispatched to critics’ homes.

A 2018 study highlights how online misogyny intersects with racism, queer antagonism, and ableism.

Pew Research data from 2017 shows women view online harassment as a more serious problem than men do and prioritize online safety over unrestricted free expression.

Perpetuation Through Attitudes

When marginalized groups face misogyny but others prioritize free speech over addressing harassment, such harmful behaviors continue unchecked.

Forms of Misogyny

Misogynoir

Misogynoir is the specific prejudice and hostility directed at Black women, combining racism and misogyny.

Coined by Moya Bailey and Trudy in 2018, it describes how Black women’s experiences and contributions are often erased or undermined.

Cases like Daniel Holtzclaw’s abuse of Black women illustrate how misogynoir compounds injustice and victimization.

Transmisogyny

Transmisogyny targets transgender women and transfeminine individuals, merging misogyny with transphobia.

A 2018 study found trans women of color frequently face devaluation, fetishization, and violence, resulting in challenges including underemployment, poverty, housing insecurity, health issues, legal struggles, and victimization.

Strategies to Combat Misogyny

Addressing misogyny requires active efforts, including:

• Calling out misogynistic behavior promptly
• Reporting incidents in professional environments
• Setting boundaries or removing oneself from harmful situations
• Creating supportive spaces that challenge internalized misogyny
• Engaging in self-care and stress management

Seeking support from mental health professionals can also aid in coping and developing resilience against misogynistic experiences.

Final Thoughts

Despite its damaging effects, many hesitate to confront misogyny directly, even those with relative privilege, which allows the cycle to persist.

Opposing misogyny often invites backlash, but avoiding it only deepens harm, especially for vulnerable groups like Black trans women who face disproportionate violence.

Understanding and actively challenging misogyny is essential for fostering equity and safety for all genders.

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All information is supported by rigorous, peer-reviewed research to ensure accuracy and reliability.

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Authored by Krystal Jagoo, a social worker devoted to anti-oppressive practice.

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