The Double Standard

Why are expectations for men and women so different, and what does the music industry teach us about gender roles?

Perpetuate Gender Stereotypes

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Gender double standards apply different sets of rules for each gender. Double standards excuse certain behaviors for men, while making those same behaviors taboo for women.

These double standards perpetuate outdated gender stereotypes that impede gender equality, and are omnipresent in the music industry, media, and society.

Gender Pay Gap

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Gender roles influence what kinds of jobs and chores men and women do, with male-dominated fields paying more than women-dominated fields, like nursing and teaching.

Even though the rate of women and men working (pre-COVID-19) is about the same in the US, women are still disproportionately doing the majority of household chores - so they are paid less at work, and then have to do more of the unpaid labor at home?! WTF!

Self-Expression

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Gender norms can reduce individuality and limit personalities by dictating what people wear and how people talk and act.

Many women in the music industry feel obligated to look conventionally sexy and feminine to be successful because of the gender roles that objectify women.

Even Demi Lovato's "statement" of self-expression still fits within conventional beauty standards for women... of makeup, long hair, jewelry, and a dress.

Blurred Lines... between consent and rape?

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Remember that problematic song by Robin Thicke? Think of all of the lessons about gender roles portrayed in this song & music video.

How many men do you think excused their creepy behavior as just "blurred lines" after hearing this song?

Also, notice how covered up the men are compared to what the women are wearing... the music industry sends a lot more messages about gender norms than you may have realized!

Women as Sex Objects

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Women are usually props in men's music videos to add sex appeal and to make the man look more desirable. It isn't just Robin Thicke, either; women are sex objects in SO MANY music videos of all genres.

So when women are the ones objectifying themselves in their music and videos, what message does that send? Is it empowering or degrading?

BREAKING NEWS: Women Like Sex

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"I don't cook, I don't clean, but let me tell you how I got this ring" -Cardi B

At first listen, one may not realize how misogynistic some male rap songs are. But when a woman sings about sex and being in charge of her relationship, it is newsworthy, uncomfortable, and shocking. Is it because we are taught that only men should want sex, and it is so normalized that we don't even notice?

How have we become so desensitized to misogyny and the double standards of men and women?

Okay, But Is Sex Appeal Empowering?

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Women who use their bodies and sex appeal to get ahead are called patriarchal bargainers, because they are negotiating their objectification for success in a man's world.

It can be problematic, as it can make it harder for other women to succeed without also patriarchal bargaining and fitting conventional beauty standards.

Kylie Jenner is the poster girl of patriarchal bargaining - her Instagram is full of unrealistically sexy shots meant to fuel insecurities in other women to influence them to buy her makeup.

Also, wtf was she doing in the WAP music video other than showing off her boobs?

Shitty Sexual Outcomes and Experiences

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Missionary??? Facials??? Begging for it??? Cheating???

Many songs and music videos that are broadcasted to teenagers and young adults have harmful lyrics that perpetuate unrealistic sexual expectations, rape culture, and sexual objectification of women.

This can make young people's early sexual encounters awkward and rude, as they are repeating the sexist, porny scripts they've seen in the media.

Changing the Narrative

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Women are in charge of their own bodies and sexualities!

Billie Eilish has proven that women in the music industry don't always have to put their bodies on display to be popular - something that seemed nearly impossible until Billie came along.

She likes to wear baggy clothes to avoid being objectified, a totally understandable desire. When she is seen wearing normal clothes, like a tank-top, her body gets ridiculed and sexualized by men all over the internet who expect porn-star-like bodies and feel entitled to roast an 18-year-old who is richer than they'll ever be.

Sexy Women Deserve Respect, Too

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All women deserve respect, whether or not they are showing off their bodies.

Women should feel safe and comfortable wearing whatever they want - whether it is men's clothing, modest, or a revealing outfit.

No outfit is "asking for" anything.

To break down the gender double standard, let's start challenging gender norms, calling out slut-shaming, and objectifying men back!