Who seems to be most guilty for preserving double-standards, men or women? Which double-standards?

Question

Okay, so double-standards exist, and we all know that. Most of us are upset about it and wish that they were eliminated.

But who is most guilty of allowing these to persist? Men or women?

For instance, most will say a double-standard exists with regards to virginity and promiscuity (that it's more socially acceptable if men sleep around than if women sleep around). But who is more responsible for this acceptance? Some might say men, but I would guess that some women are just as guilty as accusing others as promiscuous even if she's had sex only once.

Your thoughts? Which stereotypes and double-standards are perpetuated by which gender, or are they both responsible?

One word answers are useless, but thanks for playing!

Answer 1

Because the "oppression" is male to female, it does appears that men are more persistent in preserving double-standards. But, I observe women in developed nations to be equally as persistent during this early stage in the transition into and adaptation to equal rights.

It's like slavery in the U.S. prior to the Civil War. The slave owner was guilty of preserving double standards. But, after generations of acculturation and adapting to the norms of slavery, slaves themselves perpetuated the double-standards in not only their behaviors but in their expectations of how society "should be", which meant that they taught their children the "ways" of being a slave. Slavery assumes a role, just like gender roles, that is subjective and preserved.

So, why do some women and men snap out of old "ways" and roles and then rise above those roles while others do not? It does not seem as much a matter of which gender is more guilty of preserving these subjective gender roles as it is a matter of the social stage of development of the individual's family of origin, and that person's religiosity and fundamentalist thinking processes. Families thick with highly magical or fundamental stages of religiosity, per research, correlates with measures of brittle intolerance for change and differences in other people and other beliefs, and maladaptive behaviors related to natural social dynamics and adjustments. They cling irrationally to whatever "ways" that they were taught. Also, a history of racial bigotry in a family correlates with people who are more likely to preserve roles. Some families teach hate. The more that a family teaches hate, the more likely they are to defend and practice the "ways" that they were taught to be the "only" good or right behaviors and role assignments.

As for "double-standards", there can be "double-standards" only when roles and populations in a society are dichotomized ( Black / White, Jew / Christian, north of the border / south of the border, male / female). Feminism strives to eliminate all double-standards related to subjective cultural male / female behavioral and role assignments.

Answer 2

MEN

At least in my experience. Personal double-standards especially. Hypocracy about absent time "reporting", answering the phone, supposed flirtations, judgement of friends, etc.

1950's mentality.

I think the men perpetuate the double-standards ...starting in high school where young women are most suseptible to the opinions of others. It seems to me to be a control issue. A way to enforce the behaviour a man expects while not having to live up to the same expectations. This is not to say every male on the face of the earth is so inclined... just that my personal experience has caused me to have this opinion.

Edit: Usually if I want to take the time to write something that I have to think about, I'll drop in a word then edit it.

Answer 3

I would split the blame with men getting 2/3 of it. I have heard too many words out of men's mouth that sound like this:
It is the guy's job to try to score; the woman is supposed to be the goalie.
They say and do what they want to accomplish their goal. Then, joke with their friends how easy she was, what a slut she was, etc.
I stay at hostels when I travel. So, I have hung out and listened to guys and girls in their 20s in the 1980s, 90s, and the 2000s. While some of the women are still catty, a lot of them don't judge. Overall, it is the men who have not changed their viewpoints.

Answer 4

I say "Get over it." There have always been double standards for the sexes and there always will be. Sometimes they benefit men and sometimes, women. I can't be bothered wondering which sex got a slightly better deal.

Answer 5

I feel it is both....the men put forth the idea because they do it the most...not wanting to be downgraded per say...then because the women want to be more acceptable...and most women don't do it.... which means most women have a man who has, this would most likely make them someone who does it to. accepting it would lessen the tension to social embarassment, and outcasting. rather if it was unacceptable for a man, and a women was to date him, then she to would most likely be considered it as well. so, if she accepts it, she won't be. she as the mass women population, and man or he as mass male population.

Answer 6

Men in general and mostly fathers who tell their sons, go and get everything you can from a girl, but tell their daughters to keep their legs closed.