Today’s younger demographics are actively challenging traditional gender expectations and biases, yet many of these conventions persist in everyday life without much scrutiny. It’s somewhat paradoxical that some of the most pervasive gender norms are also among the most peculiar and outdated.
High-profile issues such as reproductive rights and wage disparities rightfully dominate public discourse on a global scale. Still, subtler forms of differential treatment and bias affect men, women, and non-binary individuals in routine interactions, often going unnoticed.
Exploring a few of these peculiar societal habits reveals how gender influences daily experiences. Given the ongoing shifts in cultural attitudes, these norms may not endure, but acknowledging them today is crucial—even if they highlight how antiquated our customs can be.
1. Baby Changing Tables
Step into most women’s restrooms across the country, and you’ll likely spot at least one baby changing station, either in the main area or within an accessible stall to accommodate caregivers and their infants.
These facilities prove invaluable for parents managing errands or outings, allowing them to handle childcare needs on the move.
Yet, it’s worth questioning why such amenities are frequently absent from men’s restrooms. To be precise, newer public facilities often include changing tables in both men’s and women’s areas as standard practice. However, older structures that haven’t undergone recent renovations continue to lag behind.
In 2016, the BABIES Act, signed by President Obama, mandated the inclusion of changing tables in government building restrooms, promoting greater equity. Despite this, private establishments remain exempt, leaving fathers and non-binary parents in awkward predicaments. They often improvise solutions or delay care until reaching a more equipped location, underscoring a lingering inequality in public infrastructure.
2. Women’s Clothing Lacks Pockets
When praising a woman’s new outfit, listen for mentions of pockets as a true sign of her approval.
This isn’t just lighthearted banter; pockets are a genuine priority for many women, who enthusiastically endorse designs that incorporate them. Unfortunately, pockets in women’s jeans, trousers, and tops are typically undersized, serving more as decorative elements than practical storage.
This issue traces back centuries, with women advocating for better pocket designs since the 17th century. Historically, fashion trends—from petticoats and corsets to modern skinny fits—have prioritized aesthetics over functionality, often at the expense of women’s convenience. As a result, many rely on bulky bags to carry essentials, a workaround that highlights deeper gender-based design flaws in the industry.
3. Car Insurance Prices
Beyond the well-known inequities in earnings, financial disparities based on gender extend into other areas, such as automotive costs.
Statistics indicate that women often face higher car insurance rates than men, even though they statistically have fewer accidents. For instance, a 2020 analysis by The Zebra revealed that women could pay up to 7.6% more than men for similar coverage, a trend that persists without clear justification.
The lack of transparency in pricing is particularly frustrating, prompting several states to enact bans on gender-based insurance premiums. Although not yet a federal requirement, this practice feels like an unwarranted penalty, perpetuating subtle economic discrimination against women drivers.
4. The “Pink Tax”
The concept of the “pink tax” might be familiar, but its implications are worth examining closely. This phenomenon refers to the higher pricing of products marketed toward women compared to equivalent items for men, even though they serve the same purpose. Key examples include:
• Personal care items like soaps
• Skin moisturizers
• Shaving tools
• Antiperspirants
Brands may downplay this discrepancy, but side-by-side comparisons make it evident that women end up paying a premium. When layered onto existing wage gaps, this creates an amplified financial burden. For added context, studies suggest that over a lifetime, these extra costs can amount to thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses for women, further widening gender-based economic divides.
These examples barely scratch the surface of how gender influences societal norms and practices. While positive changes are underway and attitudes are evolving, achieving full equality remains a significant challenge that demands continued effort.
