What does sexism primarily pertain to?

Sexism primarily pertains to prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward individuals based on their sex. This encompasses various forms of inequality and bias that manifest in both personal beliefs and institutional practices. For instance, sexism can manifest in stereotypes, unequal pay, and social roles that favor one gender over another, typically disadvantaging women in many contexts.

This understanding aligns with the notion that sexism not only affects individual interactions but also reinforces systemic inequalities. Thus, the focus on attitudes and behaviors specifically directed at a given sex highlights the core issue of sexism, distinguishing it from other forms of prejudice that may involve race or other social categories. In contrast, options that involve promoting equality or merely acknowledging gender differences without bias do not accurately reflect the essence of sexism, which fundamentally concerns inequality and discrimination rather than attitudes that support equality or acceptance.