Mansplaining: What Is It and How Is It Affecting the Conversation?

Mansplaining has become a popular term but what is it exactly? The Oxford Dictionary defines mansplaining as “to explain something to someone, typically a man to woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing.” The term was first used in 2008 by writer Rebecca Solnit in her essay “Men Explain Things to Me.” The term has since gained more attention in recent years as the conversation of gender equality has grown.

What Is Mansplaining and How Does it Manifest?

Mansplaining is different from just having a conversation about a topic. In mansplaining, the man has a feeling of superiority over the person he is talking to, usually a woman, and is disrespectful when talking or explaining to them. It often involves talking down to the other person and interrupting them when they are speaking. Instead of listening to what the other person has to say, the man continually explains the subject as if he has a better understanding of it, even when the woman may have more knowledge or experience with the topic.

Mansplaining can take on many forms. It can be as simple as patronizingly explaining something the listener already knows or as serious as lecturing about a topic without actually listening to anyone else’s opinion. It is a way for men to appear “knowledgeable” and show off their own intellect while disregarding or belittling that of the woman that they are talking to.

The Effects of Mansplaining

The effects of mansplaining can be damaging, both to the person it is happening to, and to the conversation as a whole. For the person experiencing the mansplaining, it can be disempowering and demoralizing. When they are being talked down to and ignored in the conversation, it makes them feel insignificant or like their opinion or expertise doesn’t matter. This can also have a negative impact on the conversation itself. When one person is dominating the conversation and ignoring the contributions of the others, it’s impossible for real dialogue to be had and for everyone to benefit from it.

How Can We Stop Mansplaining?

Mansplaining is not okay and should not be tolerated. It is important to create an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and valued. Men need to acknowledge the expertise of women and listen to what they have to say. They should pay attention to how they communicate and if they listen to everyone’s opinion during the conversation with an open mind. Women also need to be more vocal about their expertise and be confident in their knowledge, so that men can’t take them for granted or try to undermine their skills.

By understanding what mansplaining is and being aware of its implications, we can work to create an environment where all genders feel respected. Recognizing that mansplaining is happening and addressing it right away is the first step in creating a conversational atmosphere where everyone is heard and respected.