16 Biggest Outdated Double Standards Between Men and Women That Have People Frustrated

In a world full of evolving norms and changing dynamics, it’s essential to recognize and challenge the double standards that persist in our society. These impact various aspects of our lives, from parenting responsibilities to pocket inequities, dating preferences, and beauty standards. 

It’s time to shed light on these differences and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society that respects individual choices, values, and identities, regardless of gender. Some double standards persist today, highlighting how they affect our everyday lives.

1. Involved dads

As a father, it’s often seen as a miracle when they care for their children, especially when the mother is away at work or at night. 

The stereotype reinforces the double standard that parenting responsibilities are primarily the mother’s role, neglecting the father’s equal role in childcare.

2. Pocket Inequity

Women’s pants often have small or useless pockets compared to men’s, despite carrying more items in their day-to-day lives. 

Pocket disparity is a frustrating double standard that many women encounter. Designers should prioritize practicality and functionality for all clothing, regardless of gender, ensuring everyone can carry what they need.

3. Shared Sacrifice

Kosma shares a personal experience of graduating college, where his wife stayed home with their kids and did everything around the house. When he graduated, people assumed that the last few months must have been tough on him.

When his wife completes her exams, he takes over caring for the kids and the house, and people still assume it is hard on him. It disregards women’s contributions and challenges, whether in academia or household responsibilities.

4. Parenting

A man who spends time with his kids in the park during weekdays while his wife works often faces judgment from other parents and even questioning by the police. 

The outdated assumption is that fathers can’t fulfill their parenting roles and must be scrutinized when they do. They are just as capable.

5. Drink Preferences

Society often deems it unmanly for men to enjoy fruity drinks and cocktails, reinforcing traditional gender norms. Men should be able to order the drinks they like without judgment, and enjoying a beverage should not be a matter of masculinity.

6. Draft Disparity

Men must register for the military draft in many countries, also known as conscription, while women are not obliged to register for an equivalent service. 

There have been attempts to change this double standard, but progress has been slow. Equality should extend to all aspects of citizenship, including military service requirements.

7. College Assumptions

Women are often asked if they are in college to find a husband, especially if they’re studying a technical subject, a question that is rarely directed at men. 

That question assumes that women primarily attend college to find a spouse. Education should be valued for its own sake, regardless of gender or relationship status.

8. Sterilization Stigma

Sterilization is often more readily accepted for men, who can get vasectomies in their 20s. In contrast, many women face challenges when seeking tubal ligation. This medical double standard affects healthcare decisions and bodily autonomy based on gender. Sometimes, even when needed for a woman’s health, doctors refuse to sterilize them for various reasons.

9. Emotional Expression

Women are culturally allowed to be sensitive and express their emotions openly, while men are often discouraged. When they do, they are often perceived as weak. 

It affects how emotions are perceived, emphasizing the need to challenge societal expectations about emotional expression. Because really, expressing your feelings doesn’t mean you’re weak, regardless of your gender.

10. Workplace Bias

In female-dominated industries, some women perpetuate sexism in the workplace, including interrupting male colleagues and treating assertive men poorly. 

It shows that women can engage in behaviors that are discouraged when exhibited by men, underlining the need for consistent workplace standards.

11. Having a Strong Opinion

When you’re a woman and you have a strong opinion, people call you names. When you’re a man and you have a strong opinion, you show leadership.

12. Housework Equality

When a couple’s home is untidy, it’s frequently assumed to be the woman’s responsibility. Cleaning is often seen as a woman’s duty, and this assumption needs to be challenged. 

Housework should be shared responsibilities, reflecting the relationship dynamics, not gender roles.

13. Surname Choices

Some men take their wives’ surnames or choose names based on preference. Personal choices and values regarding names are important, especially if they challenge traditional gender-based naming conventions.

14. Talk Show Conduct

On talk shows like “The Talk,” female hosts often ogle muscular male guests. That behavior is considered invasive and inappropriate when directed at women. But it is tolerated when done to men, underlining the need for consistent boundaries and respect.

15. Dating Preferences

If a man chooses not to date a woman because of her weight, he is often called names. If a woman chooses not to date a man because of his height, that’s fine.

This dating preference highlights the inconsistency in societal judgment and emphasizes the importance of equal treatment when it comes to personal preferences.

16. Beauty Standards

Women often face societal pressure to remove leg hair, while men can leave their leg hair untouched without judgment. 

Challenging the beauty standards regarding body hair shows the importance of respecting personal choices, regardless of gender.

10 Commonly Believed Myths Debunked by Science

I recently saw this question online, “What is a popular belief that is scientifically proven wrong?” 

Are you thinking of something you know now? Here are the responses that received the most upvotes.

• 10 Commonly Believed Myths Debunked by Science