<i>Sexism with a small “S”:</i> Indian women’s perceptions and experiences of benevolent sexism in the workplace

Despite the improvements women have witnessed in the workplace, from greater representation to more equitable company policies, workplaces still tend to be gendered domains where women may experience sexism. In addition to more blatant, hostile forms of sexism, women also experience benevolent sexism that appears subjectively positive but is still predicated on the belief in women’s inferiority. The present study aimed to tap into the perceptions, experiences, and implications of benevolent sexism for Indian women in the larger context of workplace sexism. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with eight working women from majorly male-dominated fields between the ages of 23–30, residing in metropolitan cities. Reflexive Thematic Analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach highlighted the following themes about how women negotiated the gendered spaces of their organizations: Representations of Benevolent Sexism, Gender Stereotypes, Laborious Progression through the Organization, and Organizations as Alienating Spaces. By uncovering this oft-unseen aspect of organizations, the study attempts to create a rich understanding of benevolent sexism by giving a voice to women’s everyday experiences in their workplaces.