Gender Bias Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Gender Bias, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Gender Bias?

(n) Gender bias is the prejudice in action or treatment against a person on the basis of their sex. Eg. Payment of lesser salary to weaker sex workers.

History and Meaning of Gender Bias

Gender bias is a form of discrimination based on a person's gender, sex, or perceived gender. It involves making assumptions or treating people unfairly because of their gender, which results in women and other marginalized groups being treated less favourably than others. Gender bias has been around for centuries, and it is not just limited to certain cultures or societies. In fact, it is pervasive worldwide, and it affects women and other marginalized groups in various aspects of their lives, including education, health care, employment, and even politics.

Examples of Gender Bias

  • A female employee is not given a promotion, despite having better qualifications and experience than her male colleagues, simply because the company believes that men are naturally more suited to leadership positions.
  • A male nurse who works in a predominantly female profession is mocked and discriminated against by his colleagues because of his gender.
  • A girl is told that she cannot participate in sports or other physical activities because they are "not for girls."
  • A male caregiver is assumed to be less capable of taking care of children or performing household tasks because of his gender.

Legal Terms Similar to Gender Bias

  • Sex discrimination: A form of discrimination based on a person's sex, which can include different treatment, harassment, and exclusion.
  • Gender stereotypes: Preconceived ideas about the roles, behaviours, and characteristics associated with genders.
  • Intersectionality: The recognition that people have multiple identities, such as race, gender, and sexuality, and that these intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and inequality.
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: U.S. federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin in employment.