Why is it a "cultural shock" if a woman goes unshaven for weeks versus a man who does the same?

Question

Society perceives hair on women as disgusting when in truth a woman is no different than a man. She grows hair in the same places that a man grows hair.

Could this be a form of gender discrimination against women?

Just think about it. Let's say a group of women in your life decided to go on a four-week strike and not shave anything at all.

In the viewpoints of a woman that DO shave and the viewpoints of a man that DON'T shave:

Would you view these women as an equal to yourself or would they be misfits of some sort for not conforming with society's norms?

Subjectively, we are still a culture that discriminates against genders.

Your thoughts, please.

A lot of good thoughts have been shared thus far. From "cultural indifferences" to "personal preferences" and to the perspective that it is a "way of men putting women down," which is not necessarily true.

I really liked the concept of "youthful appearance" and the images of "fertility" that is portrayed when a woman is all shaven up. It's like the shaven factor paints an image of beauty from within her, whereas, if she lets it grow out, it'll appear "masculine," rough, and not as attractive.

As for the depiction that it is a "hygiene issue" if you don't shave routinely, especially under the arm pits, does that mean that men have a hygiene problem? Hahaha!

In response to James:

"There is no 'culture shock'. That's your imagination."
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If it's not a cultural shock, then why would it be disgusting to you for a woman to not shave her armpits? Therefore IT IS a cultural shock or else you wouldn't have reacted that way.
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"A woman with unshaved armpits is just as unattractive as a man who hasn't shaved his face for two days. Both are disgusting."
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What you just did was compared apples to oranges. If it is disgusting for a woman to not shave her armpit, then why is it not disgusting for a man to let his grow out?

Finally, I don't know what type of women you're dealing with. But here's how I see it. If they wash daily, they are obviously going to be self-conscious to not let it grow out. Maybe the type you know don't wash daily? Hey, that's it!

Answer 1

*shrug* I would think they were hippies or had ant or mosquito bites or something, but I'm a woman. I do shave, half because I've been indoctrinated and half because I swim and feel better that way. It doesn't upset me when someone else shaves or doesn't shave whatever body part. What does upset me is if someone says you *have to* do or not do it. I can't stand when men act like a woman who doesn't shave is doing something wrong, and I can't stand when women who don't shave sometimes act all superior to those of us who do.

Answer 2

I personally try to shave every other day. I think it is more of a personal choice with women. I also, think it is much more a hygiene issue to shave the underarms routinely. For me shaving or waxing my legs is just sensual, it feels sexy to have smooth legs. Also, wearing skirts, dresses, or any apparel where hosiery is worn, I strongly feel a woman should be shaved. In conclusion, I feel its not gender discrimination, more a personal choice for women. Some men I have dated dont have a preference, some love hairy legs, some dont.

Answer 3

Guys prefer (biologically, anthropologically speaking) women who appear fertile. This means an hourglass shape (ample bosoms and child-bearing hips) a healthy appearance (long healthy hair) and appearing to be youthful enough to have many child-bearing years in front of them. So shaving mimics a youthful appearance (early pubescence where girls are just starting to get hair).

Women on the other hand prefer 'alpha men' (Again this is biologically and anthropologically speaking) who could provide for them. So women tend to be attracted to succesful 'providers.' Older, masculine, strong, etc.

Also men are turned on visually by how a woman looks. That's why we have lots of Playboy type magazines but very few 'Playgirl's. So men aren't pressured to adjust their appearance the way that women are. Eventually it just becomes the societal norm for women to shave. And (generally speaking) people who don't fit within the norms of society are frowned upon.

Bear in mind, I am speaking in dangerously large brushstrokes here. There are plentiful exceptions to all of this

Hope this helps

Answer 4

We don't have genders, we have sex. Gender is a grammatical term that applies to languages.

To answer your question, it is a cultural issue. When I was in Iraq, many Iraqis asked me why I didn't have a mustache. Not all, but a majority of Iraqis have mustaches. Many Americans seem to have a problem with Iraqi ladies wearing a headscarf. This is a custom in many Islamic countries.

Women, in Western culture, have been viewed as more attractive by accentuating their femininity. This includes the fact that women are generally less hirsute than men. Women are free to shave, or not shave. Most men find them more attractive when they are devoid of hair (other than on their head!).

I personally don't like androgyny. I am repelled by masculine women, and effeminate men. I suppose that there are others who feel the opposite. It all comes down to culture.

Answer 5

There is no "culture shock". That's your imagination. A woman with unshaved armpits is just as unattractive as a man who hasn't shaved his face for two days. Both are disgusting. Women can get by without shaving their legs for about a day if they wear pants. You have to be living in a fantasy world if you think every woman shaves her legs every single day of the year.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

yes I think it is a male way of holding women down and it is much worse in islam where they insist a woman must shave all her lower body. I am afaraid I rarly do mor ethan under my arms and that is so the antyperperant workss I do not see this as bad.