sexism

n. discriminatory and prejudicial beliefs and practices directed against one of the two sexes, usually women. Sexism is associated with acceptance of sex-role stereotypes and can occur at multiple levels: individual, organizational, institutional, and cultural. It may be overt, involving the open endorsement of sexist beliefs or attitudes; covert, involving the tendency to hide sexist beliefs or attitudes and reveal them only when it is believed that one will not suffer publicly for them; or subtle, involving unequal treatment that may not be noticed because it is part of everyday behavior or perceived to be unimportance. See also prejudice; sex discrimination. —sexist adj.

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Psychology term of the day

May 3rd 2024

metapsychology

n. the study of, or a concern for, the fundamental underlying principles of any psychology. The term was used by Sigmund Freud to denote his own psychological theory, emphasizing its ability to offer comprehensive explanations of psychological phenomena on a fundamental level. Freud’s criteria for a metapsychology were that it should explain a psychical phenomenon in terms of (a) its dynamics, (b) its topology, and (c) its economic aspects. Although these specific criteria apply most clearly to Freud’s own theory, the notion of metapsychology as explanation at a fundamental and comprehensive level continues to be a useful construct. —metapsychological adj.