There are many things society expects modern women to do or achieve that are either overwhelming or completely unrealistic. Whether coming from the media or family, we’ve compiled 20 of these challenges that put the most pressure on women.
Perfect Physical Appearance
Women are constantly under pressure to maintain the perfect hourglass body shape, despite how unnatural it may seem sometimes. Advertisements and social media perpetuate these societal expectations, and U.S. News shares how women in a survey think they are now most valued for their physical appearance. This sadly creates a relentless pursuit of perfection that can harm one’s self-esteem.
Being a Supermom
There’s an expectation for women to be supermoms too, with them having to do this and also financially contribute to the family’s welfare. This responsibility includes women having to handle all household duties, children’s activities, and schoolwork while leaving little time for personal well-being or hobbies.
Career Success
The London School of Economics also shares with us how women are more likely to shy away from difficult career paths due to the stress, long hours, and, particularly, pressure involved. This is even more so when you consider that they’re also expected to take on family responsibilities while at it, which exposes them to more burnout and mental fatigue.
Always Looking Youthful
Staying youthful is a significant pressure that women face since society values youth and beauty above many other qualities. Women are often encouraged to use anti-aging products and procedures, creating an obsession with looking young and a fear of aging naturally, which can result in financial strain and emotional distress.
Perfect Relationship
Women are expected to have perfect relationships, filled with romance and happiness. This standard can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety when real-life relationships don’t measure up. The pressure to keep up appearances can strain even the healthiest partnerships and create unrealistic expectations for both partners.
Having It All Together
There is a constant expectation for women to have everything under control, including managing their careers, households, social lives, and personal well-being effortlessly. The myth of having it all together can be exhausting and unachievable, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and depression.
Always Being Polite
Women are often expected to be polite and accommodating in all situations, maintaining a pleasant demeanor regardless of their true feelings. This pressure to always be agreeable can be draining, especially when they are not allowed to express anger or frustration, leading to suppressed emotions and mental health issues.
Being Slim
Staying slim is a pervasive standard for women, as the media and fashion industries promote thinness as the ideal body type. Cleveland Clinic also shares that this internalized pressure is more prevalent in women of the Western world, and the need to conform can lead to unhealthy dieting and exercise habits. Sometimes, it contributes to severe body image issues and eating disorders.
Motherhood Expectations
The expectation that all women want to become mothers is another unrealistic standard, with society often pressuring women to have children. This assumption that motherhood is a universal desire can lead to judgment and stigma for those who choose not to or cannot have children, affecting their sense of self-worth.
Flawless Makeup
Women are expected to wear flawless makeup every day, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. This standard requires regular purchases of beauty products and a significant investment of time each morning. The pressure to always look polished can be overwhelming, particularly for those who prefer a natural look.
Being Nurturing
Nurturing behavior is often expected from women, whether in personal or professional settings, as they are assumed to be natural caregivers. This can lead to additional responsibilities and emotional labor—actions that are also often unacknowledged and unappreciated, adding to the overall stress and burden women face.
Social Media Perfection
Women often feel pressured to present a perfect life on social media, curating images and posts to create a facade of happiness and success. This can lead to comparison, insecurity, and a disconnect from reality, as the pressure to maintain this online persona can be mentally and emotionally draining.
Multitasking Expert
There is an expectation for women to excel at multitasking, juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities simultaneously. This constant balancing act can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency in all areas, as the strain of trying to do everything can be overwhelming and detrimental to overall well-being.
Always Available
Being always available is another unrealistic standard, with women often expected to be on call for their families, friends, and workplaces. This lack of personal boundaries can lead to exhaustion and decreased personal time owing to the constant demands that leave little room for self-care and relaxation.
Having a Clean Home
Maintaining a spotless home is a standard many women feel pressured to uphold, and this can be overwhelming, especially when balancing other responsibilities. The stress of keeping up with household chores can detract from personal well-being and leisure time, creating an unrelenting cycle of tasks and duties.
Socialization
Meeting social expectations is another challenge, as women are often expected to participate in social events, maintain friendships, and network professionally. This can be draining, especially for introverted individuals, who may struggle with the constant demands of social interactions and the need to always be present.
Being Independent
Women are also sometimes expected to be fiercely independent, handling all aspects of their lives without assistance. This can create pressure to avoid asking for help or delegating tasks, leading to increased stress and isolation, as the burden of trying to manage everything alone can be overwhelming and detrimental.
Perfect Skin
The pressure to have perfect skin sees women bombarded with skincare products and treatments promising flawless complexions. This pursuit is costly and time-consuming too, and it can lead to frustration and self-esteem issues. As esthetician Matthew Miller shares with Vogue, women should understand that “skin is not porcelain: it has texture, scars, and fine lines. Even breakouts are totally normal.”
Fashion Trends
Keeping up with fashion trends is another unrealistic standard where women are expected to wear the latest styles and always look trendy. This can be expensive and stressful, particularly when trends change rapidly, making it difficult to keep up and often leading to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
Overachieving
The expectation to overachieve in all areas of life is pervasive, with women often pressured to excel at work, at home, and in their personal goals. This constant drive for perfection can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, as the relentless pursuit of excellence leaves little room for rest or contentment.
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