Misogyny may be distinguished from the closely related word sexism, which signifies discrimination based on sex (although it most frequently refers to discrimination against women) and also carries the meaning “behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.” Misogyny can be an extreme form of sexism.
The term “misogyny” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “mīsoguníā” which means hatred towards women. Misogyny has taken shape in multiple forms such as male privilege, patriarchy, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, belittling of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification.
Unlike misogyny, chauvinism doesn’t necessarily involve an underlying hatred or disgust for females. Chauvinism stems from a sense that males are superior to females and a belief women are naturally weaker, less intelligent, or otherwise less able in some capacity compared to men. Someone with chauvinistic beliefs may still enjoy being around women and may act protectively toward them out of the belief that they need someone to provide for them.
Women can be as misogynistic as men. A feeling of superiority toward other women, contempt for common feminine behaviors, and male-dominant ingrained beliefs can all contribute to female-toward-female misogyny.
Misogyny isn’t a mental health condition. It’s an attitude and a belief that may involve complex underlying factors such as core belief systems, cultural norms, and childhood experiences.
Clearly, misogyny begins to take root in the early years of a child’s development, much of which is influenced by the home environment.