Stereotypes and Sexism
Presence of stereotypes in our society, whether one believes them or not, is enough to make an unconscious association and therefore affect behavior (Correll et al. 2002). Stereotypes of Black women that are currently present effect how they are treated in society and leads to them being more at risk for sexual violence. Similarly, attitudes regarding sexism are important in understanding why Black women are more at risk.
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White women impact Black women's vulnerability in a unique way - they have a general sense of powerlessness in society due to stereotypes and sexism which can lead them to victim blame more (Gravelin et al. 2019) and intervene less. This allows them to perpetuate the violence against Black women - even if they don't mean to (Katz et al. 2018), especially because endorsement of benevolent sexism by white women is known to increase victim blaming (explained in further detail below). ​
Stereotypes of Black Women-
stereotypes are an association of characteristics/traits/behaviors with a group of people
Black women are hypersexual and aggressive (Zoulome et al., 2019).
This can lead to less belief of Black women when they are sexually assaulted because they are seen as sexual beings who should've been able to defend themselves
White women are seen as pure and innocent stereotypically, while black women (and men) are associated with criminality and masculinity (Coles & Pasek 2020).
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This allows White women to separate themselves from Black women
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There is a “strong Black women archetype” (APA 2020) that says they are capable of taking care of themselves and other people
The public doesn't feel the need to protect them as much, as opposed to white women who are seen as needing protection
Benevolent and Hostile Sexism
(Barreto & Ellemers, 2005; Katz et al., 2018)
Benevolent sexism: this is seen as positive, but is portraying condescending beliefs towards women. E.g. Women need to be protected, gender determines qualities and division of labor, they are there for men's pleasure
Hostile sexism: this is a clear disliking for women. E.g. Violence against women, making aggressive or hurtful statements
Implications:
-The positive attitudes towards women come from the domestic and submissive traits we have socially given women that keep them in their place (Glick & Fiske 2001) and this level of acceptance given to women by men in the form of benevolent sexism (even though it isn’t coming from the best place) is not often translated over to Black women, as they have historically not taken on as many domestic or submissive roles as white women, and they’ve basically always had to work outside the home in America.
- Black women are less likely than White women to be believed in cases of sexual violence because of this.
- White women tend to treat Black women with benevolent sexism when evaluating violence against Black women; when Black women experience hostile sexism, white women are more likely to intervene (Katz et al. 2018).