Legal Definitions - double standard

A double standard occurs when different rules, expectations, or levels of scrutiny are applied to different groups of people, often resulting in unfair or unequal treatment. These differing standards are typically based on characteristics such as gender, race, age, or other classifications, leading to one group receiving more favorable treatment, opportunities, or leniency than another in similar circumstances.

Here are some examples illustrating a double standard:

• Example 1: Workplace Behavior

  In a corporate setting, a male manager might be praised for being "assertive" and "decisive" when he strongly advocates for his team's project, even if he occasionally raises his voice. However, a female manager exhibiting the exact same level of assertiveness and vocal passion for her team's initiative might be labeled "aggressive" or "emotional" and face criticism for her communication style.

  This illustrates a double standard because the acceptable range of professional behavior and its interpretation is different based on gender. The same actions are viewed positively for one group but negatively for another, leading to unequal professional judgment.

• Example 2: Housing Applications

  A landlord consistently requires a higher security deposit and more extensive background checks from prospective tenants with non-European surnames, even if their credit scores and rental histories are impeccable. Meanwhile, applicants with European surnames, who have comparable or even slightly weaker financial profiles, are offered more lenient terms and a lower deposit.

  This demonstrates a double standard because the landlord applies a stricter set of requirements and greater scrutiny to one group of applicants based on their perceived ethnicity, while offering more favorable terms to another group, creating an unequal barrier to housing.

• Example 3: Academic Expectations

  In a university department, a professor might consistently give male students more opportunities to lead group discussions, present research findings at conferences, or receive one-on-one mentorship, citing their "natural leadership potential." Female students, despite demonstrating equal or superior academic performance and initiative, are less frequently offered these same opportunities and are instead encouraged to take on more supportive or administrative roles within projects.

  This is an example of a double standard because the professor applies different expectations and provides unequal access to developmental opportunities based on gender, favoring one group for leadership and advanced engagement while subtly limiting the other.