Sexism Test (SATWS)

The Sexist Attitudes Toward Women Scale (SATWS) is an instrument designed to quantitatively assess individual attitudes toward gender roles, power structures, and systemic inequities. Originating from the research of Benson and Vincent (1980), this scale was developed to measure degrees of sexism across multiple dimensions, including patriarchy, objectification, chauvinism, and structural inequality. Unlike informal opinion surveys, the SATWS is rooted in empirical research and psychometric validation, making it a rigorous tool for evaluating gender biases.

Benson and Vincent's study, published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, sought to systematically analyze ingrained gender biases and the ways in which they manifest in sociocultural attitudes. The SATWS examines endorsement of traditional power hierarchies (patriarchy), the reduction of women to physical aesthetics (objectification), beliefs in male superiority in intelligence and leadership (chauvinism), and opposition to equal opportunities (inequality). These constructs provide a comprehensive framework for understanding sexism, whether overt or subtle, in contemporary discourse.

The SATWS remains relevant in contemporary gender studies by assessing individual alignment with entrenched societal norms. Participants respond to approximately 40 items, which are systematically structured to measure implicit and explicit biases. Items range from direct inquiries—such as whether men should be the primary authority in the household—to more nuanced statements regarding the valuation of women based on appearance rather than competence. Responses generate a composite score from 0 to 100, where lower scores indicate minimal endorsement of sexist attitudes, and higher scores reflect stronger adherence to traditional gender hierarchies.

Patriarchy, as a dimension of the SATWS, measures attitudes toward male dominance in both private and public spheres. Items probe beliefs about men’s authority in decision-making, leadership suitability, and household roles. Objectification assesses the extent to which women’s worth is perceived through a physical lens rather than through intellectual or professional contributions. Chauvinism evaluates stereotypes concerning emotional capacity, rationality, and perceived competencies, particularly in high-stakes environments. Finally, the inequality dimension scrutinizes attitudes toward wage gaps, legislative protections, and feminist movements, providing insight into resistance or support for gender parity.

Data from prior administrations of the SATWS suggest an average societal score of approximately 25.1, reflecting persistent, albeit variable, levels of sexism across different demographics. While the SATWS does not impose value judgments, it facilitates self-reflection by quantifying ingrained biases and offering a structured approach to understanding how sexism permeates individual cognition and broader social structures. Results may be visualized through categorical breakdowns, allowing respondents to analyze their attitudes within each sexism dimension distinctly.

Engaging with the SATWS serves a dual purpose: fostering introspection regarding personal gender biases and contributing to broader discussions on systemic sexism. By situating individual attitudes within an established academic framework, this instrument provides a rigorous and methodologically sound approach to evaluating gender-based prejudices. The SATWS is not merely an introspective exercise but a tool for empirical analysis, reinforcing the necessity of data-driven discourse in the examination of sexism and gender inequality