Hostile sexism linked to disapproval of public breastfeeding

Study finds hostile sexism strongly linked to negative attitudes toward public breastfeeding in Germany.

Why it matters

  • Shows how sexist beliefs shape societal norms around breastfeeding.

By the numbers

  • 4,143 participants in Germany.
  • Public breastfeeding approval: 4.74/7 vs. 6.77/7 for private.

The big picture

  • Hostile sexism strongly linked to disapproval of public breastfeeding.
  • Both men and women with sexist beliefs equally disapprove.

What they're saying

  • Commenters express surprise and disapproval of opposition to public breastfeeding.

Caveats

  • Self-reported data may not reflect true feelings.
  • Study is correlational, not causal.

What’s next

  • More cross-cultural studies and experimental designs to explore psychological mechanisms.