Understanding the Roots and Causes of Misandry and Misogyny

By and large, people learn to dislike entire groups based on their indelible characteristics after a few bad experiences with members of that group. It’s a natural response that helps individuals avoid dangerous situations, such as shying away from big, dangerous animals. This learning of prejudice is a survival mechanism. When applied, however, to members of our own species, it often amounts to what is known as bigotry. Both misandry and misogyny are forms of bigotry.

The paradoxical relationship with the opposite sex and a lack of experience can contribute to such prejudices. On the one hand, having a relationship with the opposite sex and knowing more about them can help dispel such stereotypes. On the other hand, not having enough experience may lead to misguided assumptions and prejudice, which can be exacerbated by unresolved traumas and irrational expectations.

According to cultural anthropologists, about 98 percent of our cultures are patriarchal. This can be attributed to the general physical strength of men, which historically has made them more successful in hunting game and defending their communities from external threats. This imbalance of power is a result of human nature, where those who control more resources have more influence over societal norms and structures.

For example, reflecting on the strength and love shown by his mother, one could argue that misogyny is just the result of men’s fear of women. This perspective suggests that gender prejudices are often rooted in deep-seated emotional and psychological factors.

People act based on what they know, and what they know usually comes from their parents and surrounding social groups from their childhood. As we grow up, we learn new things and can choose to either incorporate these new ideas into our lives or reject them in favor of what we knew up until then. Discarding deeply held beliefs is an extremely challenging task. If someone grew up with a working father and a mother who stayed at home, the idea of women working outside the home would seem abnormal, especially if challenged by new societal norms.

In conclusion, both misandry and misogyny arise from a complex interplay of cultural, personal, and emotional factors. Understanding the root causes helps in addressing and mitigating these biases, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.