Learn English – word for unconsciously reinforcing gender roles

single-word-requests

For instance:

I thought it was a she, but then I noticed you didn't specify what gender your dance teacher was. I realized that I was being ______.

I think stereotypical kind of fits here, but I don't think it's as accurate. It seems a bit too harsh and intentional.

Best Answer

Confronting paucity of thought is part of overthrowing deeply entrenched ancient conventions.

I thought it was a she, but then I noticed you didn't specify what gender your dance teacher was. I realized that I was being ___________.

hidebound

ADJECTIVE

Unwilling or unable to change because of tradition or convention:

Origin

1550s, from hide (n.1) + past tense of bind (v.).

Original reference is to emaciated cattle with skin sticking closely to backbones and ribs;

metaphoric sense of "restricted by narrow attitudes" is first recorded c.1600.

I like the self-effacing word picture, because it acknowledges the destructive consequences without conceding the intentional bigotry implied by sexist. Alternately, I was being:

  • thoughtless
  • narrow
  • naïve
  • obtuse
  • witless
  • stupid
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