Active Bystander in Everyday Sexism

Topic outline

• The Bystander Framework

  Prev Next
  • Image PD from Pixabay
  • The bystander framework provides us with a process to follow for intervening in low to high-risk problematic situations, which enables bystanders to take action in preventing and ending gender-based violence (GBV). You may be wondering, if the aim is to end GBV, why are we focussing on addressing sexism?
    

    Why focus on sexism?

    It is important to understand that everyday sexist actions, comments, behaviours and attitudes drive the wider spectrum of GBV. When these behaviours go unchecked and unchallenged, as they may not be considered serious, they reinforce a culture of disrespect towards individuals based on their gender.

    This is the foundation of gender-based violence.
    

    This link between sexism and GBV is represented in the pyramid. Subtle disrespect towards women can lead to more serious incidents such as sexual violence or murder.
    

    
    

    4 Key Drivers of Gender-Based Violence

    Rigid gender roles & stereotypes e.g., “boys will be boys”, "locker room banter", sexist language

    Social condoning of violence against women e.g., rape jokes/sexist jokes, victim-blaming

    Men’s control of decision making and limits to women’s independence e.g., women being under-represented in leadership roles

    Men disrespecting women to bond with other men e.g., “catcalling”/street harassment
  • Do you recognise yourself? (01:18)

    This short clip encourages men to reflect on their past behaviour towards women and helps to highlight the connection between these behaviours and violence against women.
    
  • Statistics on Gender-Based Violence

    Below are real statistics detailing the prevalence of GBV within Australia. Before expanding each panel, have a think about what you believe would be an accurate number regarding the prevalence of this form of GBV. Please then reveal the statistic and reflect on your reaction. Was it what you expected?
  • Drivers of Gender-Based Violence 

    The below video explores the current experiences of women within Australia, in relation to violence. It will help explain how gender norms and stereotypes drive GBV.

    Please note that this video uses the language of violence against women as this was the focus of the research, however, the drivers identified still apply to gender-based violence more broadly.

    Let's Change the Story (04:27)
  • Why should you care about calling out subtle forms of sexism and disrespect?

    By challenging the subtle forms of sexism and disrespect, you are helping to reduce the prevalence of GBV. To prevent gendered violence from occurring in the first place, we must change the bigger story that lies behind it. By using the strategies we are about to discuss, we can work to stop the progression of violence or stop it before it starts. This means creating a culture where disrespect towards women and gender diverse people is unacceptable. 
    

    Mark as done
  • 
    
  • The bystander intervention model by Latane and Darley sets out a series of steps that individuals go through before they decide to intervene in situations. As illustrated above, a person must notice a situation, interpret it as requiring intervention, assume responsibility for intervening, decide how to help and have confidence in their ability to help (included in this is feeling safe to do so (both physical and social safety).  Only after going through all of these steps will a person act to intervene. 

    There are factors that can influence every step. Most impactful is the number of people present when the event occurs. The more people present, the less chance any of them will decide to intervene. This is known as "diffusion of responsibility".  (Source: SAGE Publications, 2016)
  • Indicators someone may need help

    • The person is leaning away or looking away
    • The person looks uneasy or shocked
    • The tone of voice and choice of wording
    • Unnecessary force or power is being used
    • Someone becomes absent from conversations
    • Facial expressions

    Is this situation a problem?

    The things you will notice and identify as problematic will be different. However, regardless of whether it is overt sexism or more subtle sexism or bias, ask yourself the following:
    

    1. What is my understanding of this moment?
    2. What message is this sending?
    3. What is the impact of this situation?
    4. If this is left unaddressed, what will be the outcome in the short and long term?
  •  Do these sound familiar?

    • It's just the way it works here.
    • It's not personal.
    • It was just a joke.
    • Stop being so sensitive!
      
    • They have always been like that.
    • People need to be more resilient - it's not even that big a deal!
    • I don't want to lose face.
      
    • No one else is doing anything.
    • But I know everyone involved. /But I don't know anyone involved.

    
    

    Image licenced from Shutterstock
    
  • Reflection activity: Barriers to intervening

    Regarding the bystander framework - once you’ve noticed sexism and identified it as problematic, an internal dialogue often occurs that considers the enablers and barriers to taking action. 

    The interactive learning module below contains two videos that dramatise the internal conflict between barriers and enablers. Each video is followed by a discussion/explanation page. Watch the video, then click on the grey buttons at the bottom of the module window (or the right-facing arrow next to the slide number) to advance to the next screen.

  Prev Next