10 Stupid Double Standards Between Men and Women

4 min readJul 26, 2024

Double standards have always existed in society, and one of the most significant examples is between men and women. Men are allowed to get away with certain things because they are men, and women are held to a higher standard.

young woman closeup portrait. Image Credit: coka/Shutterstock.

It’s not unusual to hear complaints from both genders about double standards that affect them. Many of these double standards are frustrating and unnecessary, and they often perpetuate inequality.

1. Domestic Responsibilities

One of the most common double standards is that women are expected to take care of the household chores and cooking while men are not. It’s common to see women being criticized for not keeping their homes clean enough, while men who don’t do their fair share are praised for simply doing basic chores. This double standard is frustrating for women who work just as hard as men but still have to take care of the majority of the domestic responsibilities.

2. Appearance Standards

Another double standard is the expectation for women to look perfect at all times. Women are often criticized for their appearance, whether it’s their weight, clothing, or makeup. On the other hand, men are rarely scrutinized for their appearance and are often praised for simply looking presentable. This double standard is frustrating for women who feel like they have to constantly look their best to be taken seriously.

3. Emotion Expression

Men are often encouraged to hide their emotions and “man up,” while women are expected to be more emotional and expressive. This double standard is unfair to both men and women because it prevents men from expressing their true feelings and forces women into a stereotype that doesn’t necessarily reflect who they are as individuals.

4. Career Expectations

Women are often expected to choose between their careers and family, while men are not. Men are praised for being ambitious and working long hours, while women who do the same are criticized for being neglectful mothers. This double standard is frustrating for women who want to have a successful career and a family but feel like they can’t have both.

5. Athletic Abilities

When it comes to sports, men are often seen as stronger and more skilled than women, even when they’re not. Women’s sports are often overlooked and considered less important than men’s sports, even though female athletes work just as hard and are just as talented as their male counterparts. This double standard is frustrating for female athletes who feel like they have to work twice as hard to be recognized and respected.

6. Driving Ability

Men are often assumed to be better drivers than women, even when statistics show that both genders have the same number of accidents. This double standard is frustrating for women who feel like they’re being judged unfairly based on their gender.

7. Body Hair

Men are often praised for having body hair, while women are shamed for having it. Women who choose not to shave their legs or armpits are often seen as unattractive or lazy, while men who don’t shave are not judged in the same way. This double standard is frustrating for women who feel like they have to conform to societal beauty standards.

8. Career Advancement

Men are often promoted more quickly than women, even when they have the same qualifications and experience. Women are often not given the same opportunities for career advancement, and it can be challenging to break through the glass ceiling. This double standard is frustrating for women who want to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

9. Emotional Labor

Women are often expected to take care of emotional labor in relationships, including remembering important dates, planning events, and providing emotional support. Men are not expected to do the same and are often praised for doing basic tasks. This double standard is frustrating for women who feel like they have to carry the emotional weight of their relationships.

10. Sexual Promiscuity

Men who have multiple sexual partners are often seen as “players” and praised for their conquests, while women who have multiple partners are judged and labeled with derogatory terms. This double standard is frustrating for women who feel like they can’t express their sexuality without being shamed or criticized.

This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.