Why are male only gyms/clubs/schools/etc considered to be sexist while women only schools/clubs/etc are OK?

Question

This seems to be a pretty blatant double standard.

I think this feminist double standard demonstrates that women's groups generally want special rights for women rather than equal rights for everyone.

Answer 1

Pure sexism. But because of the way of thinking in society today, it's considered acceptable. Much like it was acceptable to hate blacks in the 1920's.

Answer 2

There are double standards all through life. It's just like a race issue. If we have a school for all white people, we are racist. But now we have an all black school it is OK. The right people need to stand up and take a stand. Fix the double standards in life. It will never happen though, because so many people cannot agree on what is right and what is wrong. Life goes on and we try to teach our children right from wrong and that is the best we can do.

Answer 3

Whilst women now play GOLF this is an acronym of 'Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden'. And so it was with many things, in Australia there was the 'Public Bar' women could work in it, barred from entering and drinking in it until the mid 70's. And then only if there were 'Ladies Toilets' available. This allowed the men to retain their 'right' to drink there.
Men had much more in the way of social support than women prior to the Anti-Discrimination Laws in the 70's (Western World). Females were considered to be 'looked after' by their fathers or husbands and therefore did not need these social supports. Wages were structured so males would earn more so as to look after the females, hence male/female wages.
The advent of 'women only' establishments are in fact a copy or follow on from this social structure. Whilst it can be considered sexist is it really?
All social changes come about because a like minded group see a need or discrepancy and as is the way with social order the pendulum will often swing to far to one side than the other. Social balance is as delicate as a thistle and as strong as a spiders web.
Good question, thought provoking and it is this search for truth and fairness that brings change.

Answer 4

I would be hesitant to say that the male establishments are always called sexist, and I would be hesitant to say the female establishments are not called sexist. I think it goes both ways.

It is interested that someone mentioned Vassar. As a counterpoint, are there any women attending Wabash? I'd also like to point out that I know of at least two female-only schools that have gone co-ed in recent years: Notre Dame College for Women in Cleveland and Wells College in NY.

Answer 5

I agree. Though the image of women in society (or rather, Western society) has changed dramatically, over the past 50 years especially, this has acted as a kind of authority for women to do anything they want, as sexist as it may be. If a male were to say it was sexist, then therefore THEY are sexist.

Its a double standard.

Answer 6

This is not a double standard and here is the reason: In the old times, all schools were male and women were not allowed to attend them. This was sexist, since women were considered as their place was in the kitchen and as they were not able enough to get education and power. Later, the women schools were established not to exclude men, but because these schools were the only possibilities for women to get educated. However, this education was considered as inferior since it was mostly dealing with the issues like cooking, passive reading, being a good mother... education that most men have never been interested in. Male education was scientific, "important" and provided young boys the good positions in the power structure. Women also had a need for knowledge and education offered in men's schools, but were forbidden to attend them. I am not sure men used to have the same need concerning girls' schools. if you have a real and honest need to achieve some training, education, knowledge whatever, but you are forbidden to do that because of your gender, then this is sexism. I am not sure any man had such an experience.

Answer 7

Double standards abound. Try suggesting a White History Month. How about a class on Caucasian Studies. And sorry little girlie, but men's clubs and schools are being invaded by women and ACLU lawyers all the time. Are there any men going to Vassar yet?

Answer 8

Women like men to keep a hard hand over them. When women are surrounded by nice guys their behaviour will switch to bitchy sassy and even hostile, untill they have driven the men to take charge again and act like men so that they can feel like women. The arabs have a saying an unbeaten wife is like an untidy home.

Answer 9

what? there's tons of male only schools, and many gentlemen clubs are still for men only (women are only allowed in certain parts). There are also male only sports clubs (many boxing gyms, etc). of course this is in america, i don't know where you are

Answer 10

thats easy double standard
it exists in every day society all the time
it will always be that way