Contemporary Sexism - Nature, Prevalence, Consequences, and Strategic Use

2026-07-22

With SEXISM2022 I aim to identify contemporary manifestations of sexism and examine their nature, prevalence, and consequences from the target’s and the perpetrator’s perspective. Addressing existing research gaps, in this project I will systematically examine 1) ways that sexism is expressed today; 2) the extent to which cis women and men, non-binary, and transgender individuals are exposed to, and perpetrate, sexism; 3) causal links between exposure to sexism and lifestyle and career choices; and 4) perpetrators’ perceptions of the effects of sexism, and their willingness to use sexism strategically for their own benefits. In SEXISM2022, I will also study how characteristics – such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation – intersectionally impact on the exposure to, and perpetration of, sexism. To complete these objectives, I will draw on a wide repertoire of cutting-edge methodology, including diary studies, representative surveys, and experiments. Ultimately, the project will facilitate a better understanding of contemporary sexism, which is paramount to prevent its occurrence and mitigate its negative consequences. SEXISM2022 will be hosted in the Psychology Department at the University of Exeter, supervised by Prof Ryan, who has extensive research experience on related topics. The project builds on initial work I started during my PhD where I documented a new, contemporary form of sexism and developed a scale to measure it. The fellowship would enable me to continue, and significantly expand, my research on contemporary sexism while joining a world leading research group. This will advance my research skills and help me close gaps in my skillset that increase the chance for a successful career in academia, such as the consistent use of open science and communicating research results effectively with the public. Completing SEXISM2022 will also enable me to establish myself as an expert on sexism inside and outside academia.

United Kingdom (UK)

2025-10-15