Sexism is understood as that discriminatory attitude that makes a distinction between people based on their sex or that considers people of the opposite sex inferior. Although there are not too many, there are studies that have related the construction of the emotional bond of attachment with this type of discriminatory attitude. This is the case of the study carried out in 2013 by Maite Garaigordobil, professor at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of the Basque Country.
The research hypothesis proposed that sexism and the two correlate highly.
Various types of sexism
Three types of sexism have been identified:
- Hostile sexism: that assumes a view of women as inferior beings.
- Benevolent sexism: that considers women as weaker beings who need the protection of men and idealizes them, but always without leaving the most traditional roles.
- Ambivalent sexism: is the result of the combination of the two previous types.
What are insecure attachment styles?
Attachment patterns, fundamental in the organization of personal identity, largely explain the psychological and emotional development of people and their personality differences, as well as their emotional relationships in adult life.
People who have developed a secure attachment styleraised in warm and emotionally receptive environments, are characterized by good self-esteem, greater balance, autonomy and security, and better competence in managing their emotions and social relationships.
For its part, in the insecure attachment styles In adults we find a double aspect:
- Avoidant attachment: marked by lack of emotional attention in childhood. The person feels uncomfortable in contexts of closeness/intimacy, with a low capacity for emotional management.
- Anxious attachment: characterized by inconsistent emotional care. It takes shape in an attachment style in which the fear of rejection or abandonment by the partner prevails, with a strong emotional dependence.
The relationship between sexism and insecure attachment styles
The results of the study to which we refer indicate that the three types of sexism (hostile, benevolent and ambivalent) correlate significantly with insecure attachment styles, both anxious and avoidant. People with a high score on any of the three types of sexism also showed a high score on the two insecure attachment styles. It should also be noted that, in the case of women, no correlation was found between the type of hostile sexism and the avoidant attachment style.
In view of the data, Sexist people have an insecure attachment style in relationships. That is, they fear being abandoned or are uncomfortable with situations of closeness/intimacy with their partner.
In conclusion, it can be stated that promoting secure attachment styles will positively influence the reduction of sexist attitudes. The study suggests the need to implement educational programs for children and adolescents in this regard, as well as support and training for parents during pregnancy or the first months of the baby’s life.
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