A New Form Of Gender Bias: Mansplaining

"Mansplaining" is a term that has received a lot of attention in recent years, especially in discussions about gender dynamics and communicateion. The term is composed of the words "man" and "explain," and it usually refers to the phenomenon of a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending manner, assuming that she does not have the necessary knowledge on the topic because of her gender.

In its original usage, mansplaining differs from other forms of condescension in that it was ostensibly based on the assumption that men were more likely to know more than women. "Mansplaining" can be delivered to any audience. However, it is now more commonly used and generally applied when a man uses a condescending tone in his remarks toward someone, regardless of the age or gender of the intended recipient. This behavior occurs frequently regardless of the woman's actual expertise or familiarity with the topic and reflects broader social issues surrounding gender inequality and power relations in conversation. The term has sparked discussions about communication styles, respect, and the persistence of gendered assumptions in everyday interactions.

Mansplaining occurs in many forms, from subtle condescending comments to blatantly dominating conversations. It often occurs in professional situations, social gatherings, and online discussions where men forcefully express their opinions or interrupt women in the middle of what they are saying. Mansplaining has its roots in social norms that have historically privileged men’s voices and perspectives, often to the detriment of women’s credibility and contributions. The phenomenon highlights the broader issue of gender inequality and how unconscious bias shapes interpersonal relationships. 

The term mansplaining was inspired by the essay "Men Explaining Things to Me: Facts That Didn't Get in the Way," written by writer Rebecca Solnit and published on TomDispatch.com on April 13, 2008. In her essay, Solnit told an anecdote about a man at a party who had heard she was writing a book. She began to talk about her latest book on Eadweard Muybridge, but the man interrupted her and asked, "Have you heard about the very important Muybridge book that came out this year?" Solnit's book. Solnit did not use the word mansplaining in her essay, but described the phenomenon as "something that every woman knows." A month later, the word appeared in a comment on the LiveJournal social network. It became popular among feminist bloggers before entering mainstream commentary. Solnit attributed the mansplaining phenomenon to a combination of "overconfidence and ignorance". Lily Rothman of The Atlantic defined it as "an explanation, often done by a man to a woman, that ignores the fact that the person being explained to knows more than the person explaining it". Solnit later published Men Explain Things to Me (2014), a collection of seven essays on social and human rights issues. She wrote in the title essay that women, including experts and professionals, are routinely viewed or treated as less trustworthy than men, and in some countries, even women's research findings or legal statements are rejected unless corroborated by a man.

In 2010, The New York Times named it one of its "Words of the Year"[22]. In 2012, the word was nominated for the American Dialect Society's "Most Creative Word of the Year" award. It was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2014.

Combating mansplaining requires not only recognizing its existence but also creating an environment where all voices are heard and equally respected, regardless of gender. By promoting mutual respect and awareness of communication dynamics, we can work to create more inclusive and equitable spaces for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

For example, during a debate about gender equality or women's rights, some male politicians consistently interrupt and talk over their female opponent, assuming she lack understanding of the issues at hand. They repeatedly explains basic concepts to her, despite her extensive experience and knowledge in the field, implying that her perspective is less informed or valid than their own. Because politics is a male-dominated field in most parts of the world, the political discussion environment can be particularly tough for women. Women are already assumed not to know much about politics, so some political jokes can be hostile and lead to mansplaining.

Mansplaining is not simply a matter of individual behavior but reflects systemic inequalities that affect how women are perceived and treated in various contexts. This can happen even when a woman is an expert in her field, as her expertise may be ignored or questioned based on gender stereotypes. This dynamic can contribute to feelings of frustration, exclusion, and devaluation in professional and social interactions. Moreover, mansplaining is also intertwined with other forms of discrimination, such as racism and homophobia, exacerbating the challenges for women from marginalized communities. Recognizing and addressing mansplaining requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness-raising, and creating an environment where all people feel encouraged to contribute without fear of gender-based disrespect or rejection.

In summary, mansplaining is a significant barrier to gender equality and respectful communication. This piece illustrates a broader societal issue where women's knowledge and perspectives are often undervalued or ignored solely because of their gender. By identifying and addressing instances of mansplaining in professional, social, school, and personal contexts, we can work toward creating more inclusive and equitable environments. Fostering active listening, respecting different perspectives, and fostering mutual understanding are important steps in dismantling attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate sexism. Ultimately, fostering an environment where all people, regardless of gender, feel encouraged to contribute and participate without fear of being looked down upon or rejected is critical to achieving true gender equality.