Skip to Main Content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Sexism

This guide is meant to provide users with a familiarity of many different types of oppression and how to work toward a better world by combatting oppression.

Sexism goes so deep that at first it's hard to see; you think it's just reality. Alix Kates Shulman

Sexism is not simply prejudice, but rather the combination of prejudice and institutional power. Anyone, regardless of sex or gender, can have sexist prejudices, biases, or tendencies. However, in the United States, being male means having institutional power and privilege; therefore, sexism here is the systemized discrimination of women due to the societal belief that maleness is superior. Sexism in America is systemic because it plays a role in our institutions and society, whether we recognize it or not. To truly understand sexism is to also understand how it is embedded in institutional and cultural systems, rather than focusing on an individual's thinking or actions. 

Women may sometimes be a party to systemic sexism, without intending to act in that manner. and simply because sexism is so ingrained in our institutions, cultures, and societies. For example, a female hiring manager who hires a man over a woman in a position that requires some physical labor.

Masculinity is not something that is often discussed when talking about sexism; however, the way that men are defined by societal stereotypes and expectations very much plays a role in the continuation of sexism today. From a young age, many males receive messages from society, family, educators, and the media on what it means to be a man and how men are expected to think, behave, and feel. Because of this, in order to curb the issue of sexism in today's society, many believe that it begins with redefining the idea of masculinity.

Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast

Coming to you from the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, this tomorrow-minded podcast dives into impactful topics like diversity and inclusion and engaging societal and cultural considerations. Stories explore how we learn, live, work, and play at Penn College and across the world. Through authentic dialogue with faculty, students, staff, and industry experts, our goal is to spark meaningful conversations that satisfy the curiosity that connects us all. Each unique episode taps into our guest’s “passion project” or area of expertise. 

  • Jason Embick: Creating Healthy BuildingsThis link opens in a new window With the temperatures dipping into the single digits on campus, it seemed like an ideal time to catch up with Jason Embick, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Center. In this comprehensive conversation, we learned a lot about how the center helps businesses and homeowners reduce energy demands, boost efficiency, and lower consumption costs. Join us for an informative episode that will have you considering new ways to save on your monthly utility costs.Mentioned in this episodeClean Energy CenterWorkforce Development at Pennsylvania College of TechnologyPennsylvania Weatherization Assistance ProgramPenn College Energy Specialist ApprenticeshipEarth Forward GroupEnergy STAR | Energy Savings at HomeEnergy STAR | Expert Home ImprovementsPennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Energy Programs OfficePenn Energy SaversClean Energy House Feb 11, 2025
  • Samir Pringle: Kindness & LeadershipThis link opens in a new window Like all life experiences, college is what you make of it. Sure, you'll takeaway technical skills and foundational lessons. But the full-college experience stretches beyond what happens in labs and lectures. Determined to maximize his time at Penn College, Samir does more than seek out opportunities to be a part of our community. He aims to influence campus culture while fine tuning a signature leadership approach that prioritizes kindness. Samir talks through his decision to come to Penn College, Lenfest scholarship, and vast student experiences. He also shares what it means to build his brand and what's on deck for him post graduation. If you're interested in hearing what it's like to live and lead at Penn College, give this one a listen. Feb 4, 2025
  • Nate Lyon: Finding Purpose in CommunityThis link opens in a new window Working in the Public Relations & Marketing department at Penn College, we often get a front-row seat to a constellation of superstar students. Welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate Nate Lyon was one of those shining examples—always first in line to help with a photo, video, or voiceover project. As a student, he served as an admissions tour guide, resident assistant, new student orientation leader, and president of Campus Crusade for Christ.When we heard about his latest career move to teach welding at Milton Hershey School, we couldn’t wait to catch up with him. This broad discussion covers everything from his early hands-on experiences and journey to Penn College to his secret camping spot atop a mountain nearby campus.Whether it was his decision to call Williamsport “home,” choice to mentor young men at a wilderness camp, or latest career move to teach welding to underserved students at the Milton Hershey School, Nate consistently values community in every equation and looks for true purpose in his life decisions. We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with changemaker Nate Lyon.Resources:Deerfoot Lodge Adirondack Boys CampMilton Hershey SchoolHouse Parent Recruitment at Milton Hershey School Jan 14, 2025

Battle Tactics for your Sexist Workplace

Yes, your workplace is sexist. Let's laugh/cry together while figuring out what we can do about it. We break down how sexism works in the modern workplace. And with help from some badass experts, we bring you real tactics you can use to fight back. 

Disclaimer

In the interest of full disclosure, the creator of and collaborators for this guide identify with some, but not all of the oppressed identities presented here. As members of the Penn College community, we strive to encourage diversity, inclusion, awareness, equality, and equity. While I have made an attempt to collect and present some of the more timely, relevant, and quality resources on the topics of oppression, I recognize that my collaborators and I are still susceptible to our own implicit biases, privilege, and perspectives. Given our own limited experiences, any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, particularly from members of any marginalized populations, are sincerely welcomed and greatly appreciated.