Why is Mansplaining Sexist When Men Mansplain to Other Men as Well?

Everyone has encountered or experienced that feeling of being interrupted, talked over, and judged in understanding or even knowing about a topic in which they have expertise. Or, perhaps you've even been that person. This behavior is known as mansplaining. While it may seem that men mansplaining to other men doesn't carry the same weight as when it happens to women, there's a good reason why this has sparked a significant conversation within the context of workplace dynamics and gender equity.

The Impact on Women in the Workplace

The reason men mansplaining to women has become a prominent topic is primarily because of its insidious effect on women in professional environments. Men mansplaining to women not only undermines their authority but also creates a systemic issue that can hinder female advancement. This behavior isn't exclusive to men lecturing women; it is a wider social phenomenon that affects gender equity. The social pressure on women to be accommodating, agreeable, diplomatic, and non-competitive starts from birth and persists throughout their professional lives. This pressure, though less pronounced in Western countries, is a significant factor in silencing women and making it harder for them to compete as equals in the workforce.

The Consequences of Mansplaining

In a professional setting, mansplaining can create a hostile work environment where women's ideas and expertise are ignored or downplayed. This is particularly damaging in a business scenario. When a man feels justified or comfortable in talking over a woman, interrupting her, and lecturing her on topics about which she is known to be at least equally knowledgeable, it exacerbates a already challenging environment. This can lead to a situation where the work environment is not only functionally hostile but also detrimental to a woman's progress and growth. The effects of such an environment extend beyond individual stress; they can impact business productivity and a woman's ability to earn and provide.

The Example of International Observations

International observations of workplace dynamics further illustrate the gendered nature of mansplaining. In a case study from years ago, a professor from a university presented a video of a female professor giving a lecture on a business topic. Despite the fact that the lecture was not out of the ordinary, several male students reacted with open hostility, describing the professor as "annoying" and a "know-it-all." This reaction is not unique to this instance. Across many countries, including the West, there are societal expectations that women should be accommodating and not challenge male authority. Such behavior is far from rare but is often underreported or seen as trivial.

The Broader Implications for American Society

The phenomenon of mansplaining is particularly relevant in the context of the United States, where women are increasingly earning equal or more degrees than men. If half of the incoming employees assume without question that they know more than the other half, this can lead to a toxic work environment where women's contributions are invalidated. Such behavior is not only unfair but also counterproductive. It's important to recognize that all talents matter in the working world, and gender aside, employers benefit from promoting an environment where mansplaining isn't a routine behavior. A world where only certain individuals earn the right to make decisions or share their ideas is not equitable or productive.

A Call to Action

Male colleagues, if you find yourself mansplaining, ask yourself why you might feel the need to do so. Are you genuinely sharing valuable insight, or are you exerting dominance in a way that silences others? Similarly, if you witness mansplaining, speak up and recognize the potential harm it can cause. Women accepted that men would be equally qualified for the workforce in the 1970s, and it's time for men to accept that they are not exempt from contributing to a fair, supportive, and productive work environment. Failing to do so not only harms women but also potentially harms the company and the individuals who may find themselves in such a toxic work culture.

In conclusion, mansplaining is a behavior that, while not unique to men mansplaining to other men, has significant consequences when it specifically targets women. Understanding and addressing mansplaining, and the broader issues it encapsulates, is essential for creating a more equitable and productive professional environment for all genders.