The Impact of 'Mansplaining' in the Workplace
Studies indicate that unwritten workplace rules often lead to miscommunication and disconnection. Two notable examples are “hey-hanging” and “mansplaining,” where a man condescendingly explains something to a woman. Even seemingly trivial interactions can reveal how much or little we value our conversation partners. A recent study sheds light on the frequency of mansplaining, key signs to watch for, and the cities where workplace mansplaining is most prevalent.
### New Findings About ‘Mansplaining’
Jeffbet surveyed over 2,000 women across the U.S. about their experiences with mansplaining, including its frequency, locations, common topics, and impacts on dating and professional relationships. Key findings include:
- **Prevalence**: 56% of women have experienced mansplaining at work.
- **Geographical Hotspots**: The worst cities for workplace mansplaining are Portland, Oregon; Kansas City, Missouri; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
- **Common Topics**: Work and careers are the most frequent subjects of mansplaining, with 57% of women experiencing it in their professional fields.
- **Expertise Gap**: 83% of women report having a more relevant experience than the men who mansplain to them.
- **Relationship Dynamics**: Coworkers are the most frequent mansplainers, while bosses or supervisors rank sixth.
### Four Signs of ‘Mansplaining’ to Watch For
Recognizing these signs is crucial for addressing mansplaining. Whether you're a woman tired of being talked down to or a man aiming to avoid this behavior, awareness can foster more respectful conversations.
1. **Explaining the Obvious**: This goes beyond clarification; it's belaboring a point to someone who clearly understands. For example, a man explaining coding to a female software engineer. This behavior can stem from unconscious biases or social expectations about gender roles.
2. **Interrupting to Correct or Clarify**: Mansplaining often involves interrupting a woman to refocus the conversation on the man’s perspective, using phrases like “actually…” or “well, technically…” even when the woman’s statement is accurate. This can be driven by a desire to assert dominance.
3. **Patronizing Tone and/or Language**: This includes speaking in overly simple terms, speaking slowly and loudly as if to a child, or using dismissive pet names like “sweetie” or “honey” in a professional setting. Such language undermines a woman’s credibility and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
4. **Ignoring or Dismissing Expertise**: This occurs when a woman’s knowledge is disregarded in favor of a man’s less authoritative opinion. For instance, a female scientist’s research is dismissed by a male colleague who then offers his incorrect interpretation. This behavior can impact career advancement and job satisfaction.
The study highlights that over 56% of women encounter mansplaining at work, 54% within their families, and 39% in romantic relationships, making it a weekly issue for many women in the U.S. Topically, 59% of women have been mansplained about their work or career field, with 83% affirming they were more knowledgeable than their male counterparts.
The prevalence of mansplaining in topics like politics (57%), philosophy (40%), finance (38%), and home maintenance (53%) underscores its cultural pervasiveness. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is crucial for fostering more respectful and productive workplace environments.