Misogyny is defined as the hatred, contempt, or prejudice directed specifically toward women or girls. As a distinct form of sexism, it functions to reinforce the lower social status of women relative to men, thereby helping to sustain the structures of patriarchy within various societies.
This phenomenon has been practiced for thousands of years and is deeply embedded in human history. Its influence is pervasive, appearing across diverse domains including art, literature, philosophy, religion, and the fundamental organization of societal structures worldwide.