what else relates and why is it just as important?

Patriarchy is a system where men hold the majority of power politically, economically, and socially. While women and other genders are expected to follow last. It’s the foundation of sexism and it establishes male and masculinity and superior and devalues femininity. Because of patriarchy, misogyny becomes socially acceptable, women’s contributions are overlooked, and beauty standards shaped by the male gaze are normalized. It’s also what makes things like the pink tax possible. women are expected to be complicit and constantly maintain appearance to fit into a male supporting world. Patriarchy is the root structure that holds all other forms of gender inequality in place. 

Misogyny is the hatred, fear, or prejudice against women. It’s the reason why in many cases women’s ideas are dismissed, women are stereotyped or seen as unintelligent, gender-based violence is so widespread, and why women are constantly judged more harshly.  

Intersectionality is the foundation for understanding how sexism against women doesn’t always affect everyone the same way. Gender  inequality is also deeply shaped by other aspects of a person’s identity their like race, class, sexuality, and disability.  

For example, while all women may face sexism and gender inequality a women of color may face that and racism at the same time and the extent of sexism they face might be much more severe due to those contributing factors, a trans woman may face transphobia at the same time as misogyny. Intersectionality shows us that these issues overlap, and we need to recognize and respect and understand that. 

Women that are apart of multiple marginalized communities are subject to more discrimination.They often have to fight harder for the same rights and recognition that cisgender, white, heterosexual, and able-bodied women do.

The first 2 waves of feminism had many significant effects and efforts made for change but it often did not include women of color

learn more about the 3 waves of feminism

Recognizing intersectionality reminds us that our efforts must be inclusive and in solidarity. Ensuring that the fight for gender equality uplifts all women, not just the most privileged.

The gender pay gap refers to the consistent difference in income between men and women, even when doing similar work. It exists due to workplace discrimination, the devaluation of “feminine” roles . This economic inequality is a direct form of sexism, and is also related to and complies with the pink tax, adding on to how  women often pay more while earning less. The gap is even wider for women who face overlapping oppressions (e.g. racism, ableism), highlighting the role of intersectionality. The gender pay gap is a clear example of how gender inequality is built into the economy itself, not just individual attitudes. 

The pink tax is a real world example of how sexism plays out economically.  

It refers to how women often pay more for everyday products just because they are marketed to women despite earning less on average. Women earn 89 cents for every dollar earned by men for work of equal value due to the gender pay gap. Yet they are expected to pay up to 50% more on the same merchandise just because of how it’s marketed. 

The male gaze refers to how women are portrayed in media and advertising. They are viewed through a heterosexual male lens and objectified, sexualized, and shown in media as underlying , unimportant roles, whose only purpose remains to support the male leading characters. We can also see the male gaze in media in the way certain scenes are shot or the clothing that is worn. This leads to women being judged based on their looks and bodies rather than their abilities or intelligence.