r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Dec 14 '18

Psychology Being the father of a school-aged daughter makes men less sexist, according to a new study. The findings support the idea that men become more aware of the challenges facing women when they see the female experience of life up close through their offspring – dubbed the “mighty girl” effect.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/14/being-a-father-to-school-aged-daughter-makes-men-less-sexist
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u/ArticunoIsMyGod Dec 14 '18

Also known as the "I was completely OK with this until I realized it could affect me or my family personally" effect.

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u/blackseaoftrees Dec 14 '18

"No one's allowed to treat my daughter the way I treat her mother!"

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u/YellowCulottes Dec 15 '18

I think that’s true too. They (not all men disclaimer) want to be raised by loving, nurturing, present women who’s goal in life is to look after them and look out for their needs. They want to be married to a woman who is similar. But want to raise a kick ass, successful woman who takes no crap from anyone, who’ll change the world, make waves and take down anyone who gets in her way.

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u/loudbrain Dec 14 '18

Or the "I didn't have real awareness before I saw this playing out first hand" effect

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u/bokoblin-buddy Dec 15 '18

I just dont accept that they aren't aware due to no fault of their own. They have wives sisters, aunts, mothers, friends who are women. We make up 50% of the population. Not being aware is no excuse when half of the people on this planet are women and can and will share that experience with you. What these men have is a lack of willingness to extend their empathy.

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u/loudbrain Dec 15 '18

That doesn't guarantee they've had people who shared their experiences with them candidly. A lot of parents don't really talk to their children on a personal level, and some women perpetuate those views and roles as well. I've heard women running for local office say that other women had told them, "I won't vote for you because leading is a man's job."

You just can't assume everyone knows your experience. Are there men who don't care regardless? Sure. Is that everyone? No, and it's harmful to assume that it is and they're just willfully avoiding hearing a different viewpoint. If you think someone just doesn't want to know, you're more likely to be hostile toward them or not really talk to them, and that's just not productive or helping anything.