Sexism (prejudice and discrimination, usually against women) is a social problem in most
societies of the world that undermines the rights and potentials of women in societies. It also
impinges development. Thus there is a need to explore its causes.This study was therefore
designed to investigate the influences of sex, sex role orientation and personality variables
on sexism in Nigeria. With the aid of a set of questionnaires comprising Bem’s Sex Role
Inventory (BSRI), Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) and the Big Five (Personality)
Inventory (BFI), data were collected from 780 research participants drawn from among
Nigerians resident in South Western Nigeria. Participants’ age range is 15-69 with a mean
age of 31.91 years. Using a 4x2x2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis, it
was found out that sex and sex role orientation have main and interaction effects on sexism.
It was also revealed that sexism is significantly jointly predicted by personality variables.
However, the dominant personality trait of an individual was found to determine the type of
sexist ideological leanings and behaviors displayed by the person. These findings were
discussed in the light of available literature and recommendations were made.