Have you ever noticed someone who only applies rules to one set of people but not the other? Perhaps you see things one way but don’t see how they can be the same for others. If so, chances are you have encountered or presented a double standard. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
A double standard is when one set of principles is applied to one group but not the other. An imbalance in laws, ideas, rules, or otherwise is another way of viewing double standards. When a code of morals, for example, is applied to one gender more harshly than the other, it can be said that it is due to double standards. People should all be judged by the same basic criteria. If there are two people in the same circumstances, but judged differently, there is a double standard. In most cases, a double standard refers to men being given more freedom than women. It also applies to certain ethnicities being judged more harshly than others.
Standards can be applied to education, legalities, behavior, societal norms, and much more. When any group is held to higher standards or a more rigorous set of rules, a double standard will have been created. Another simple way to explain the meaning of double standard is as follows; if you or someone else is in the habit of treating two groups differently when they should be treated the same, it is called a double standard.
Example Usage of Double Standard
“Asking the public to limit their gatherings during lockdown but allowing their family to throw parties is a double standard”.
“Allowing our son to stay out all night with his friends, but making our daughter come home at sundown is a clear double standard”.
“Showing our students a double standard when it comes to the rules is not going to help them become leaders of the future”.
“Learning to identify the double standard in law enforcement will allow communities to better address racism”.
Origin of Double Standard
The first known use of the term double standard can be traced back to 1872. The idea of double standards has been around for as long as humanity itself. The term, which first came to light in the 18th century was created to explain the inequitable rules that existed for women. In 1775, Thomas Paine wrote that women are robbed of their free will and victims of double standards, which shows the idea was understood even earlier.
The phrase was modernized in 1930 in the US. Specifically when the sexual behaviors of men were encouraged and rewarded while the same behaviors in women were vilified. Double standards and the problems that persist are still very much in existence. In fact, in addition to the double standards between men and women being on display, racial, social, and religious double standards have also been called into question.
Phrases Similar to Double Standard
- One-sided
- Prejudice
- Unfair
- Immoral
- Unethical
- Skewed
Phrases Opposite to Double Standard
- Justice
- Fairness
- Balance
- Moral
- Standard
- Equitable
- Ethical
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper saying is - a double standard.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say, Double Standard
Some ways that Double Standard is used incorrectly are:
- Everything is a double standard, as it should be.
- In order to be fair to everyone, we need to enforce a double standard across the board.
- To increase the efficiency of our regulations, we are making them a double standard, which is twice the amount as before.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Double Standard
Some ways that Double Standard is used correctly are:
- Men tend to be punished for sexual harassment more harshly than women, which is a clear double standard.
- I suggest that you get rid of your double standard way of thinking if you plan to remain a manager with this company.
- The firm always has applied double standards to their male and female partners.