Which term captures the idea of prejudice and mixed attitudes toward women combining hostile and benevolent sexism?

• A. Amerasian
• B. Agnostic
• C. Ageism
• D. Ambivalent sexism

Answer: (D)

Ambivalent sexism describes prejudice that blends hostile and benevolent attitudes toward women, creating a mixed, often contradictory set of beliefs. The hostile component expresses overt negative judgments and a desire to maintain traditional gender hierarchies, while the benevolent component appears positive or protective—praising women who fit traditional roles or who appear to be in need of care. Taken together, these attitudes reinforce women's subordination even though some elements may seem complimentary. This dual structure captures the idea of prejudice plus mixed attitudes toward women, which is exactly what the question is asking.

The other options don’t fit: Amerasian refers to a person of mixed American and Asian heritage, Agnostic relates to beliefs about knowledge of deities, and Ageism is prejudice based on a person’s age.