10+ Signs Of A Female Misogynist

Puritan

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Misogyny has become a growing problem over the last decade or so, and it is often spoken about when referring to the male population. However, there has been an increase in the amount of female misogynists within everyday life, and here are some signs that can help you identify them. The first is being a modern-day puritan/showcasing puritan behavior. This means that they may live by outdated and strict moral beliefs (often centred around the belief that sex is sinful).

Self-critic

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If a woman is overly self-critical, especially when it is completely unnecessary, it may be a sign that she is a female misogynist. Obviously, it is good to be able to criticize certain aspects of yourself e.g. your work ethic, productivity and methods of working, but it can be extremely damaging to yourself (and the others around you) if this criticism seeps into your personal life.

Self-loather

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Self-loathing is something the majority of people have experienced at some point in their life, but for a female misogynist it is an everyday occurrence. Their sense of self-loathing is rooted in internalized misogyny (which will be looked at in detail), and causes them to project their harsh (personal) critiques onto other women; in an attempt to make themselves feel better.

She-devil

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The term 'she-devil' refers to a woman who is extremely malicious and/or spiteful, and revels in making others completely miserable. The majority of female misogynists will have some level of malice/spite, and it can range in severity from misogynist-to-misogynist. This aspect of their personality can be showcased in a variety of ways, with some being more subtle than others.

Belittling women

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Linking back to the previous point, one of the ways a female misogynist will showcase their malice/spite, is by belittling other women. They won't necessarily target one particular woman, as they will tend to belittle women from all walks of life. It can be consistent or periodic, but it is a definitive sign of a female misogynist, and one of the key signifiers to look out for.

Internalized misogyny

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Now, you're probably wondering how a woman can become a misogynist, and it can be rooted in a range of different factors e.g. how they were brought up, generational trauma and media brainwashing. However, one of the main causes of a female misogynist is in fact: internalized misogyny. This refers to a woman's subconscious critique of herself and others, and it can be very dangerous if it isn't regulated.

Undermining feminism

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A female misogynist's worst enemy is...feminism. As ridiculous as it seems, female misogynists will try their very hardest to undermine feminism in any way they can. This can range from: feeding the delusions of a misogynist man who believes feminism is destroying 'masculinity', to believing that feminism's sole purpose it to eradicate men from society entirely.

Blaming victims

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Another fundamental part of being a female misogynist, is victim blaming. The act of victim blaming can be extremely dangerous, and detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of the victim at the centre of it all. You will often find that female misogynists will focus on the behavior and actions of a victim, prior to their misfortune (this is rife within sexual assault cases).

Enabling sexism

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Sexism has seen a sharp rise over the past several years, and it is clear to see that female misogynists are (most likely) at the centre of it. They actively enable sexism within everyday life, and within the online landscape, much to the approval of male misogynists. They won't point out the obvious faults within male misogynists' behavior, and will instead encourage it, leading to an increase in the detriment to other women.

Judgmental attitude

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Female misogynists will often have an overly judgmental attitude, whether it's towards themselves, or (more likely) other women. This judgement can range in severity, and can be presented in a range of ways e.g. dirty looks/side-eye, talking behind another woman's back, being visibly disgusted by another woman and being physically/verbally abusive to another woman.

Valuing male approval

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Another tell-tale sign that a woman is a female misogynist, is if she consistently values male approval. It doesn't matter whether this is in a personal or professional setting, as a female misogynist will seek and value male approval no matter what she is doing. This is an extremely damaging personality trait to have, as it often means that other people's views/opinions will be undermined and ignored.

Discrediting women's achievements

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Linking back to the topic of feminism, a female misogynist will discredit women's achievements, compared to them being celebrated within the sphere of feminism. They will often try to discredit these achievements, by suggesting that the woman/women involved don't have the mental and/or physical capability to achieve such a thing, without the assistance of a man.

Rejecting solidarity

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Rejection of solidarity among the female population, is yet another key signal that a woman is a female misogynist. This also links back to the undermining of feminism, and their constant search for male approval. They often believe that women who band together, are man-hating 'feminazis' who are only interested in eradicating all men worldwide (despite this being the farthest away from the truth).

Promoting gender stereotypes

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Promoting gender stereotypes, is a female misogynist's favorite past-time, despite the damage it can cause within society. These particular stereotypes refer to the roles and behaviors of each gender, according to a patriarchal society. One of the key examples, is the idea that men should be the sole provider for the household, whilst women should be left to look after the home and children.

Insensitive to gender equality

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The fight for gender equality has been going on for hundreds of years, and it is only being stunted by female misogynists, as they continually add fuel to the fire of insensitivity regarding this societal issue. Whether its through subtle actions (promoting gender stereotypes), or big displays of insensitivity (rallying against feminist movements), you can be sure that female misogynists have no respect for the fight for equality!

Opposing women's empowerment

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Another (ridiculous) tell-tale sign that a woman is a female misogynist, is if she is opposed to women's empowerment. Again, this can range in severity, and is often fuelled by their search for male approval. They will underplay women's issue, and believe that they are not as severe as they are e.g. gender pay gap, reproductive rights/body autonomy and women's (general) safety.

Lacking empathy

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An underlying root of a female misogynist's damaging views/opinions, is a complete lack of empathy. This lack of empathy will be towards (mainly) other women, as well as minority groups. They will come across as disinterested in the struggles of underprivileged women, women in general and women who are consistently under threat from factors outside of their control.

Defending sexism

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Going back to the topic of sexism, female misogynists will often display supports for sexism, whether it's within their daily lives or online. This blatant disregard for the negative impacts of modern-day sexism, is what makes them a uniquely dangerous group of people. By enabling and defending sexism, they are allowing misogynist men to continue with their disrespectful and disgusting behavior.

Competition over solidarity

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As mentioned previously, female misogynists will reject solidarity among the female population, and this develops into them prioritizing competition over solidarity. Women are already at a disadvantage within a patriarchal society, and this is only worsened by their desire for women to be competitors, instead of allies. They will display toxic behavior within and outside of the workplace, in an attempt to belittle others and turn women against each other.

Supporting male-dominated systems

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Yet another damaging trait of a female misogynist, is their undying support of male-dominated systems. This is in reference to societal and physical systems that have been put into place for the benefit of the male population e.g. patriarchal societal structure, pay gap and certain laws. Despite these systems actually being detrimental to them, they are blinded by their need for male approval and validation.

Silencing other women

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This next point links back to the trait of victim blaming, and it is: silencing women. You will often find, that female misogynists will attempt to silence other women in every aspect of their life e.g small digs aimed at their colleagues, undermining friends and family and pushing the blame of crime onto the victim. Unfortunately, this is rife within the legal system (especially during sexual assault cases).

Stereotyping women

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Women have been fighting stereotypes for hundreds of years, and it makes it that much more difficult, when another woman is the one stereotyping you. This is a classic trait of a female misogynist, and it often occurs behind other women's backs. Female misogynists can't help themselves from placing other women into pre-determined boxes, no matter how damaging or hurtful it may be.

Mocking feminine traits

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Feminine traits can be attributed to a range of people, not just women, which is what makes it so damaging, when a female misogynist decides to mock them. This form of mockery can affect people from all walks of life e.g. young girls/boys, effeminate men, the LQBTQ community and women who may be perceived as 'hyper-feminine'. It is hurtful, and can lead to groups of people being outcast and belittled.

Promoting traditional gender roles

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Traditional gender roles refer to the behavior and jobs society has in place for men and women. Typically, this means that men are expected to go out, work and provide for their household/family, whilst women are expected to be subservient and take care of their household, children and husband. Thankfully, ideals and opinions about roles within society, have changed since this time period; but female misogynists believe they should be the standard for men and women.

Ignoring intersectionality

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Intersectionality refers to the issues that are unique to certain groups of people e.g. women of color, the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups within society. A female misogynist will often ignore and completely disregard these issues, which isn't just damaging but extremely dangerous for the individuals involved (especially if the misogynist in question has any form of power within society).

Using derogatory language

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If a woman consistently uses derogatory language (aimed at other women), it is more than likely that she is a misogynist. The use of gendered slurs, is something female misogynists will do, in an attempt to diminish another woman's character and/or reputation. It is a vile act, that pushes back women's rights decades, whilst pushing the 'need' for a patriarchal society.

Hostility towards successful women

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Going back to the point of discrediting women's achievements, we come to hostility towards successful women. Female misogynists will often feel threatened by other women that are successful, and will regard them as a form of competition. In their deluded minds, they believe that these women have only received such success by other 'means' (seeking male validation).

Trivializing gender discrimination

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Another gender-based issue that is under threat from female misogynists, is: gender discrimination. Female misogynists have a habit of trivializing this issue, and attempting to play devil's advocate, when it comes to the discussion surrounding this very real problem. This is done in a range of ways, including: downplaying victim's experiences and feeding into hateful discourse surrounding this issue.

Perpetuating beauty standards

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Modern beauty standards are constantly changing, and are always influenced by their roots in patriarchy, which is one of the main reasons why female misogynists will continually perpetuate them. The majority of these women will be completely hypocritical, by not even upholding these standards themselves, whilst expecting/forcing others to do just that!

Defensiveness

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Finally, one of the biggest signifiers of a female misogynist, is an intense defensiveness of their actions, behavior, views and opinions. When questioned and/or challenged about these aspects, they will immediately be on the defensive, and will try their best to shift the focus onto you or someone else. If they attempt to do this, it is important to remain calm and try to progress with your questioning, in a calm and non-confrontational manner.