gender bias

This term describes a systemic or individual prejudice that favors one gender over another. It is most frequently employed in sociological, legal, and corporate discourse to describe structural inequalities, such as the glass ceiling or disparities in hiring and pay. While it can refer to conscious prejudice, it often describes unconscious or implicit biases that influence decision-making without the actor's awareness.

In professional settings, the term carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in the context of accusations, audits, or policy reforms. It is distinct from gender discrimination, which refers to the actual act of treating someone unfairly, whereas bias refers to the underlying inclination or prejudice that leads to such actions.