ambivalent sexism

[ am-biv-uh-luhnt sek-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. a theory that sexism is multidimensional, one form hostile sexism reflecting negative views of people, especially women, who challenge traditional gender roles, and the other form benevolent sexism reflecting positive views of those who conform to these roles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambivalent sexism¹

First recorded in 1990–95