To think that despite it being 21st C sexism is still rife?

[JustAnotherManicMummy]

I have a some recent examples:

My step-SIL recently had a baby. I have met her once. FIL sent out an email to me, SIL and BIL's wife (ie not his sons) He also says things like "It's different for ladies, having babies" and asks if we "look in prams" when we're out

Of my immediate circle of new-mums in RL two-thirds have had significant problems dealing with their employer about returning to work or getting queries answered both after and during maternity leave.

There are no vacancies advertised for the multi-national I work for with part-time/flexible working/job share as an option for any management or senior roles.

Now, maybe I was naieve, but I thought "the glass ceiling" was a myth, that big companies would not discriminate against women as they would be keen to be seen doing the right thing and that attitudes like FIL's went out with the Ark (he's not old btw, mid 60s).

So, AIBU to find not much has actually changed?

JAMM, I would treat your two examples in your OP quite differently.

Your FIL sounds like a dick. That's different from being sexist; though his 'dick-ness' clearly permeates into his attitudes towards women.

With regard to employers, ohhh it's a good thing you didn't post this 2 years ago when I was in this situation. Comes as a shock, doesn't it? The fact is that many employers are lazy and backwards and see mothers as an easy target, so they fire them. So yes, it's 21st century sexual discrimination. They'll catch up eventually, but it's something that the current generation of new mothers is sadly having to deal with, just as our mothers had to deal with discrimination in other areas of life.

However I notice a growing trend of women either seeking or creating part time work so that they can have a family without bankrupting themselves in this expensive society. I am such a woman - have changed career and am building a far more interesting and fulfilling work life than I could have with my old employer. I find this exciting, that we are slowly effecting a work revolution, and I am intrigued to see how we change society as a result. So all is not lost!

Speedy that's an interesting way to put it. I am in a similar situation to you, and am forging an "alternative path" to the traditional career ladder route. I have often viewed myself as "wronged against", but your post has me thinking of myself as a sort of pioneer. Our generation of women will change the workplace by refusing to be browbeaten into inflexible working.....very nice way of looking at it

pmsl FIL is a knob in general - but means well. I take no notice at all other than to store up to bitch with DH later I am just always when he voices these opinions. He's really not old and should know better. Although he has a history of not being a very loyal husband or father.

I am more annoyed by the attitudes I've come across at work tbh.

And DH is main carer at weekends, most evenings and we really do share as much as we can although I'm at home during the day and he's not. He does 75% housework, I do 75% childcare. It really is as equal as it could be and it works. DH is probably quite enlightened because his father buggered off before he was a year old

(I'd like to join this discussion but I'm doing several things at once so excuse my ranblings)
I agree that the misogyny is still alive and kicking in the C21st. I believe that the sexualisation and objectification of women and young girls is part of the response of patriachy to the challenges it has faced from feminism.

Without sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I really think that capital and those who prosper in the status quo have the means to take control and create a hegemony whereby women are 'allowed' to participate in education, to develop interesting and rewarding careers, to 'have it all' but only if they continue to present themselves as sexually active, attractive and available to men, to continue to take responsibility for child care and nuturing the family.

Sorry if that's not too well presented but I'm thinking as I type. I really do believe that the over-arching ideology of capitalism and the creation of the 'ideal woman' clashes with feminism and the idea that women might 'band together' in some way to reject the notion that the ideal life can be bought through the acquisition of things.

Earthymama - very interesting thoughts you've presented there.