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Hostile and Benevolent Sexism: Prioritizing Prevention Strategies Through a Cross-Sectional Study in a Northern Italian City

Author

Listed:
  • Dario Sgarra

    (Cesena Family Council Center and Community Paediatrics, Romagna Local Health Authority, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

  • Marta Cleva

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Sara Nanni

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Marco Montalti

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
    Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Public Health, Romagna Local Health Authority, 47522 Cesena, Italy)

  • Anna Maria Piraccini

    (PerLeDonne ODV, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

  • Antonella Brunelli

    (Cesena Family Council Center and Community Paediatrics, Romagna Local Health Authority, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

Abstract

Sexist ideologies and attitudes perpetuate gender inequalities in both private and public contexts. Traditional views of sexism emphasize hostility, but the phenomenon is more complex, involving interdependent power relations between men and women. The Ambivalent Sexism Theory identifies two forms: hostile sexism (HS) and benevolent sexism (BS). This study aimed to measure the levels of HS and BS among men in a northern Italian town, examining sociodemographic factors associated with elevated sexism scores. A paper questionnaire was administered by a volunteer organization and the Local Health Authority to male individuals over 18 in Cesena from February to April 2023. The convenience sample was recruited from diverse settings, including universities, companies, cafes, and hospitals. The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske) was translated into Italian and used for data collection. A total of 275 participants were included. The mean age was 44.4 years, with a diverse educational background. Regression analyses revealed that higher education levels were associated with lower HS scores with a high school education and a bachelor’s degree or higher showing statistically significant coefficients of −5.33 (SE = 2.26, p = 0.019, and 95% CI: −9.78–−0.88) and −8.64 (SE = 2.51, p = 0.001, and 95% CI: −13.58–−3.69), respectively, if compared to individuals with middle school education or less. Age was a significant predictor of BS, with older individuals showing higher BS scores (Coeff. = 0.20, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001, and 95% CI: 0.10–0.31). Healthcare professionals had higher HS scores, while unionists had both lower HS and BS scores. This study highlighted the levels of both HS and BS in various professional and social contexts. Education appears to be a critical factor in reducing HS, while age influences BS.

Suggested Citation

  • Dario Sgarra & Marta Cleva & Sara Nanni & Marco Montalti & Anna Maria Piraccini & Antonella Brunelli, 2025. "Hostile and Benevolent Sexism: Prioritizing Prevention Strategies Through a Cross-Sectional Study in a Northern Italian City," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-13, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:3:p:61-:d:1606389
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