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December 24, 2023Workers Equality Rights
December 24, 2023Mansplaining is when a man explains something condescendingly, usually, it happens to women. The term Mansplaining was first coined in an essay written by Rebecca Solnit entitled “Men Explain Things to Me: Facts Didn’t Get in Their Way”. Then the term Mansplaining was added to Merriam-Webster in 2018.
Mansplaining strengthens gender stereotypes, especially during discussions in the workplace. Men assume that women do not have much knowledge about certain subjects, so men feel they have to explain things in more detail. This strengthens the myth that women are less competent than men. Mansplaining can lead to a loss of productivity and decreased sense of belonging. Mansplaining can also hinder women’s career advancement and be one reason why some women prefer to leave a workplace that values them more.
How to reduce mansplaining behavior?
For individuals, it is important to learn more about listening and self-reflection with the following questions:
- Did someone ask for a detailed explanation of something?
- Do you make assumptions about someone’s ability to do something?
- Is there a gender bias that underlies your assumptions on one or both of the above?
For companies, it can do several things, such as include discussions about mansplaining in diversity and inclusion training, and build a culture to provide opportunities for female and male representatives to express opinions in meeting rooms.
After knowing what Mansplaining is, let’s actively do self-reflection when we want to explain something and the intention is to develop others, not belittle others.
References:
How Mansplaining Is Negatively Impacting Your Workplace — And What You Can Do To Prevent It. Forbes.com. 7 January 2019. https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2019/01/07/how-mansplaining-is-negatively-impacting-your-workplace-and-how-to-prevent-it/?sh=4a89042213f1
This Mansplaining Chart is Heroic and Can Be Sent to Anyone Who Needs it. Bustle.com. 2 December 2018. https://www.bustle.com/p/this-mansplaining-chart-is-absolutely-heroic-can-be-sent-to-anyone-who-needs-it-13225134
21 November 2022 | Tiara Tri Hapsari