Small or large acts meant to put women "back in their place" when they challenge male dominance. Downgirling may include criticizing women for expressing emotions considered acceptable in men (such as anger, decisiveness and directness), demeaning or minimizing a woman's success, or implying she should not be proud of or promote her accomplishments. It may be subtle or overt. It may be directed at control—for example to discourage a woman from entering a field, attempting a challenging project or taking credit for her achievements. Or or it may come as a form of punishment, so that other women will see the consequences of rising too high or acting in ways normally only permitted to men.
Serena Williams was downgirled first by the umpire and then by the media for behaviour at the 2018 U.S. Open that men in sports regularly get a pass on.
Hillary Clinton has survived three decades of relentless downgirling.
Hillary Clinton has survived three decades of relentless downgirling.
by Emma29 September 11, 2018