The authors argue that sexism consists of complementary hostile (HS) and benevolent (BS) components across cultures. HS arises from male dominance, while BS stems from men's dependence on women. Research with 15,000 participants from 19 nations shows that HS and BS are coherent constructs positively correlated across nations. HS predicts negative traits for women, while BS predicts positive traits. Women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially in cultures with high levels of sexism. National averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality. These findings challenge the notion that prejudice is an antipathy, as BS reflects inequality and is a pervasive cross-cultural complement to HS. The study also examines the factor structure of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), its reliability, and its predictive validity. Cross-cultural comparisons reveal that HS and BS are not specific to the United States but are evident across cultures. National means on HS and BS are strongly correlated, and men's sexism predicts women's acceptance of sexist ideologies. The relationship between HS and BS means varies across countries, with women more likely to reject HS and accept BS in cultures with higher overall sexism. The study concludes that HS and BS are complementary forms of sexism that maintain and reflect gender inequality.The authors argue that sexism consists of complementary hostile (HS) and benevolent (BS) components across cultures. HS arises from male dominance, while BS stems from men's dependence on women. Research with 15,000 participants from 19 nations shows that HS and BS are coherent constructs positively correlated across nations. HS predicts negative traits for women, while BS predicts positive traits. Women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially in cultures with high levels of sexism. National averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality. These findings challenge the notion that prejudice is an antipathy, as BS reflects inequality and is a pervasive cross-cultural complement to HS. The study also examines the factor structure of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), its reliability, and its predictive validity. Cross-cultural comparisons reveal that HS and BS are not specific to the United States but are evident across cultures. National means on HS and BS are strongly correlated, and men's sexism predicts women's acceptance of sexist ideologies. The relationship between HS and BS means varies across countries, with women more likely to reject HS and accept BS in cultures with higher overall sexism. The study concludes that HS and BS are complementary forms of sexism that maintain and reflect gender inequality.