Society’s Double Standards
Why is it ok for a man to date a younger woman, but it’s strange for a woman to date a younger man? It isn’t unacceptable, but people think differently about it. The double standards in our society are incredibly harmful.
When sex is discussed, women are often seen as two things. If they’re virgins they can be “prudes,” while those who have had sex are called “sluts.” Men are pushed to lose their virginity. It seems like they’ve proven something if they’ve had sex. Social constructs have made people feel bad about themselves.
Men are often praised for taking care of their children and women are expected to be caregivers. For a woman it’s seen as parenting, and for a man it’s babysitting. People think that men should be the breadwinners of the family. This can be damaging and put pressure on a man to do more.
A successful and assertive woman is seen as “bossy” and can be less likable than a man with a similar way of acting. To me it feels like I have to be nice to people if I want them to do something. When I write an email or text a person I need something from, I try to sound upbeat and add exclamation points to try to sound more polite.
Also, what’s with women’s pockets? Why do men get pockets which can hold all their things and women have tiny pockets which barely fits anything or are even sewed shut? Absolutely disgusting. I hate it.
Men are also affected negatively by some double standards. When you think of a nurse, typically it’s a female. Men who are nurses are referred to as “male nurse,” not nurse. This is similar for many other careers such as a ballerina, dental assistants, nannies and secretaries. This man may be seen as gay if he’s in a career deemed “feminine.”
If a guy cries or wants to talk about emotions he isn’t seen as masculine. Men are expected to repress their feelings and care for those around them.
Another way double standards are shown is women are supposed to clean the inside of the house and men do the yardwork.
Recently, more awareness has been brought to some of these topics, but it’s hard to change peoples’ mindsets.
