Internalized Misogyny Signs Handout

What is internalized misogyny?

Internalized misogyny refers to the subconscious acceptance of sexist ideas and gender stereotypes by women, often resulting in negative attitudes towards their own gender. Rooted in societal expectations and the norms of a patriarchal society, it can significantly impact how women view themselves and other women, perpetuating gender inequality and reinforcing toxic masculinity. From a young age, girls are exposed to gender norms that dictate how they should behave, often promoting submission or passivity while discouraging assertiveness. These early messages can shape beliefs into adulthood, influencing women to judge other women, support male authority figures like male bosses over female leaders, or devalue their own gender.

This internalized oppression can manifest as criticism of other women’s choices, distrust of empowered women, or self-doubt, contributing to psychological distress and mental health struggles. Tools like the Internalized Misogyny Scale can help identify these biases, encouraging reflection and growth. Recognizing how societal expectations affect young girls and adult women is key to dismantling internalized sexism and fostering environments where women can support one another. By challenging these ingrained ideas, women can break free from limiting beliefs and promote gender equality for themselves and future generations.

How to use our Internalized Misogyny Signs Handout template

Our handout template can help you educate your clients about internalized sexism and overcome it. Here's how you can integrate its use in your practice:

Step 1: Download the template

Click "Use template" to open the template in the Carepatron app, where you can edit the template before downloading or sharing it. The resource is free and easily accessible, designed to help practitioners educate patients or staff about this important topic. You can also get a ready-to-use PDF by clicking "Download."

Step 2: Tailor it to your needs

If you opened the template in the app, you can customize the template to suit specific contexts or audiences. Whether you're using it for staff training, patient education, or community workshops, the template is adaptable to your goals.

Step 3: Share and educate

Use the handout as part of your educational toolkit to foster awareness and empower individuals to challenge internalized misogyny.

The handout is thoughtfully organized to provide clear and concise information. It begins with an overview of internalized misogyny, including its definition and common signs, ensuring a strong foundational understanding. It then highlights its psychological and societal impacts, helping readers grasp the importance of addressing it. The structure ensures key points are easy to locate, making it an effective quick reference for busy practitioners. Practical tips for addressing internalized misogyny are included to encourage actionable change.

How this handout benefits psychologists

The Internalized Misogyny Signs Handout is a valuable tool for psychologists working to support clients affected by societal pressures and gender norms. It provides a concise yet comprehensive resource to help practitioners identify and address internalized misogyny in therapy sessions.

Enhancing understanding

This handout offers clear definitions and examples of internalized misogyny, equipping you with a framework to explain this complex issue to clients. It highlights common signs and psychological impacts, such as low self-esteem and mental health challenges, making it easier to connect with your clients’ experiences with broader societal influences.

Supporting psychoeducation

By using this resource, you can promote awareness and self-reflection among clients. The handout’s structured format, with visual aids and actionable strategies, makes it an excellent tool for fostering discussions and encouraging clients to challenge internalized biases.

Streamlining client care

The handout saves time by providing readily available information that can supplement verbal guidance. It also helps you incorporate gender-sensitive approaches into treatment plans, addressing the root causes of distress linked to societal expectations.

By incorporating this handout into practice, psychologists can empower clients to develop healthier self-perceptions and work towards greater gender equality in their personal and professional lives.

How to deal with internalized misogyny

You have many options on how you can help your clients challenge and overcome their own internalized misogyny. Try out these options:

Recognize and reflect

Start by teaching your clients to identify signs of internalized misogyny in their thoughts and behaviors. Guide them on how to reflect on how societal norms or stereotypes may have influenced their beliefs about their selves or other women.

Challenge gender stereotypes

Encourage your clients to actively question traditional gender roles and expectations, and model this to them whenever you can. Teach them to avoid judging women based on appearance, career choices, or behavior. Show them that in order to overcome both internalized and external misogyny, people must embrace the idea that there is no “right” way to be a woman.

Support other women

Whenever you can, celebrate the successes and strengths of other women, and encourage your clients to do so as well. Networks of mutual support and collaboration are better than outright competition. Show your clients that empowering others contributes to breaking the cycle of internalized sexism.

Educate yourself

Help your patients learn about the roots of misogyny in patriarchal systems and how it perpetuates inequality. You can do this by engaging in a guided discussion or reading books and articles in a session. Greater awareness helps dismantle harmful beliefs.