Definition

1. Noun:
   • An ethical or moral code that applies more strictly to one group than to another: A principle or rule that is applied differently, and usually more severely, to one group of people compared to another, often considered unfair or hypocritical.

Usage

The term "double standard" is used to criticize situations where fairness and consistency are lacking. It highlights a perceived injustice where the same behavior is judged or punished differently based on who performs it. It is commonly used in discussions of politics, gender, race, and social justice.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The company was accused of a double standard for firing the junior employee for a mistake while the senior manager received only a warning for the same error.
  • Many argue that there is a double standard in how society views assertiveness in men versus women.
  • The politician's policy was criticized as a double standard, imposing strict rules on citizens while exempting government officials.

Advanced Usage

• "to apply/have a double standard": To use or maintain such an unfair principle.
  • The court was accused of applying a double standard in its sentencing.
• "to be held to a double standard": To be subject to such unfair, differing rules.
  • Female athletes often feel they are held to a double standard regarding their appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Double-standard (adj, attributive): Used to describe a policy or mindset characterized by a double standard.
  • He criticized the double-standard approach of the administration.
• Hypocrisy (n): The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. (This is a related concept but not a direct variant.)

Synonyms

• Inconsistent standard: A rule or principle that is not applied uniformly.
• Unequal treatment: Differential and unfair handling of people or groups.
• Hypocritical rule: A guideline applied in a self-contradictory or insincere way.

Related Phrases

• "One rule for them, another for us": An idiomatic expression conveying the essence of a double standard.
  • The new parking permits are a classic case of one rule for them, another for us.

Idioms

While there is no specific idiom containing the phrase "double standard," the concept is central to several common expressions: - To play favorites: To show unfair preference to one person or group over others. - The teacher was accused of playing favorites when she only punished some students for talking. - A different set of rules: Implies that different standards are being applied. - It seems like celebrities live by a different set of rules than ordinary people.

Noun

1. an ethical or moral code that applies more strictly to one group than to another