I can't find the study, but men interrupt women much more than they interrupt men. Also, women interrupt other women more than they interrupt men as well.
Men are 3x as likely to interrupt women. Women will interrupt women, but rarely men.
Informal study, but decent sample size.
/sarcasm
But "if men are 3x as likely to interrupt women" is literally an example of sexism... the likelihood of interrupting a woman over interrupting a man.
Sexism IS a biological tendency. There is no rational basis for it when scientists are contributing to something as esoteric as string theory. This story overwhelmingly demonstrates how absurd sexism can get.
In any case it is perfectly acceptable to shame someone when they are being rude and excluding someone one from contributing. Especially when that someone is an expert.
The reason why I think she did not take any affront is because she already understands the subject matter. She's motivated not only in understanding herself, but in determining and helping others to comprehend. She can't actually engage in a proper discussion until she realizes that her counterpart also understands the material. When things get complicated, you have to continually establish a common basis for discussion which requires fostering patience.
no. because men don't interrupt women 3x as likely but it's sexism to assume they do just because you believe it's true
not at all
sexism is behaviour
sexism is believing that women cannot do something because women are inferior by design, not thinking that they are generally weaker (biologically true) and it's probably best if it's the man who carries the heavier luggage
I'd put the emphasis on the outcome: women being able to express their opinions and contribute to the conversation / problem. Being interrupted (while speaking less in the first place) seems counterproductive to that end.
Is there a better solution? I'm being serious.
(At the very least, we don't need to accuse men of being sexist if is proven to be a biological tendency—we should call a spade a spade)
The equal outcome is men and women both being given equal and fair opportunities to express their viewpoints.
If this isn't the case because {reason}, then to me that's justification enough to attempt to redress the issue through modified behavior.