Double Standards: 30 Things Reflecting The Society's Hypocrisy Women Face

Not much really needs to be said about the sharp difference in how we treat men and women in society. The double standards lay bare in the open for all to see. For most of women's lives, a tiny voice inside their heads follows them around, nagging them into the realisation that their gender constitutes their whole identity in a way that it does not for men.

Why this distinction? The answer, as it does for all things gender inequality, lies self-sufficiently in patriarchy.

For instance, to take a simple example: Consider the contrast in parenting responsibilities of mothers and fathers. Men are applauded for doing the bare minimum while on the other hand, women don't even receive the appreciation they deserve for holding up entire worlds on their shoulders.

Are we asking then for the position of men to be disadvantaged to equal ours? No, quite the opposite. The crusade against double standards is more about lifting women up to where men stand so we can - in a feminist and free society - together bring down the gendered distinctions that uphold oppressive hierarchies.

Where do we start? Let's start here, with these double standards weaved into our daily lives - examining them first, and then, striving to reform ourselves.

Looking at 30 things which hold a mirror to the society's double standards

1. Why is the society okay with women wearing a blouse but not a crop top? Because the former is an 'Indian' wear? Hmmm....I see.

2. Women have to live with her in laws and keep pleasing them , while Men are not supposed to do any of that.

3. The wife refers to the husband as "Aap" while the husband refers to the wife with "Tu" .

4. Men peeing in public is fine, but a woman breastfeeding her child is a problem.

Differential treatment of women and men when it comes to skincare.

5. Women are expected to have babies but it's not okay if they show their baby bumps.

6. Women are expected to be the "care givers" to their children and men are "applauded" for raising their children.

7. A man is appreciated so much for doing house chores but not women because that's seen as her 'duty'.

8. Men are expected to earn after marriage but women are "allowed" to do the same.

9. Men showing their underwear is fine but women's bra strap is a worldwide issue.

10. Women painting nails is okay but not when men do it.

11. Women are told to "take care" of their skin but men are chided for doing it.

12. Men can wear whatever they want in functions…women are expected to wear ethnic.

Women raising children v/s men raising children

13. Men are applauded for earning and "being the bread winner" but working women are reprimanded.

14. Women are taught to serve the guests and set the table even when they visit their relatives. Men get everything served to them.

15. It is not okay for women to leave their child at home and go to work but the same is normalised for men.

16. Men can marry women younger to them but women are shamed for marrying younger men.

17. A man becomes a 'stud' if he has been in multiple romantic relationships but women are automatically termed as 'slut' for doing so.

Women shamed for wearing crop top.

18. Man earning more than his wife is acceptable but a woman earning more than her husband is not. 

19. It's natural for men to get angry and answer back on being insulted. But for women, it's "over reaction".

20.  If men ignore their responsibilities, it's because they are "overburdened". but are always thought to be the well wishers of the family.

If women do the same, the are irresponsible and must "improve" their ways.

21. When women want to get an abortion, they are called out but no trolls take place in case of men. (Reference- The Malayalam film Sara's)

22. Using cuss words is the sole right of men. Women don't swear!

23. Women are expected to be "dependent" on men and ask them for financial help. But men are looked down upon for doing it.

24. Consuming alcohol is seen as "cool" for men but if a woman does it, she is shameless.

25. How is body hair natural for men but "unhygienic" for women?

26. The burden to "look married" lies only on women. Men are not under the obligation to "appear someone's husband".

27. Women usually do not have the option to go for further studies while simultaneously working after marriage. But is it the same for men?

28. Divorced women are looked down upon but divorced men aren't.

29. Wearing western clothes after marriage is seen as a "sin" for women but no restrictions are ever placed on men.

30. It is only a woman's responsibility to complete all the household chores before leaving for work and wrap up everything after she returns. Men can just relax after a tiring day.

What else would you like to add to the list?