Male privilege is a term that pops up often in conversations about gender equality, and it refers to the various advantages men have in society simply because they are male. These privileges can be subtle or glaringly obvious, but they all contribute to a world where men often have an easier time. These are 19 examples of male privilege.
Higher Pay for the Same Work
Forbes reveals that “Women earn just 84 cents for every dollar a man makes.” Men often earn more than women for doing the same job, even when both have similar qualifications and experience. This disparity can add up to thousands of dollars over a career, giving men a financial edge that women struggle to achieve.
More Leadership Opportunities
Men are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions in the workplace, too; whether it’s a corporate boardroom or a political office, men dominate top spots. This isn’t because they are necessarily more qualified but because societal norms often favor men as natural leaders, sidelining equally capable women.
Less Scrutiny Over Personal Choices
The life choices of a man are rarely scrutinized as harshly as women’s, including with career paths and parenting decision. Men typically face less judgment. For example, a man choosing to focus on his career is often praised, while a woman making the same choice might be criticized for neglecting her family.
Safety in Public Spaces
Men generally feel safer in public spaces compared to women, as they are less likely to experience harassment or assault when walking alone at night or using public transport. This sense of safety allows men more freedom to move about without constant vigilance.
Freedom from Beauty Standards
Society imposes strict beauty standards on women, pressuring them to look a certain way. Men, on the other hand, enjoy more freedom in their appearance. They can age naturally and dress comfortably without facing the same level of judgment or pressure to conform.
Fewer Household Expectations
Even in modern households, women often bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities, and a man typically faces less expectation to perform household chores or child-rearing duties. This allows him more free time and less stress related to managing home life.
More Representation in Media
Men are more frequently represented in media, from movies to news anchors. This representation reinforces the idea that men are the default leaders and heroes, making it easier for young boys to see themselves in powerful roles, while girls often struggle to find relatable role models.
Assumption of Competence
If you’re male, you often benefit from the assumption that you’re competent and knowledgeable and especially in professional settings, your ideas are more likely to be taken seriously. You’re less likely to be questioned or doubted compared to your female colleagues.
Less Emotional Labor
You’re rarely expected to manage the emotional well-being of those around you if you’re not a woman. Women themselves, on the other hand, often carry the burden of emotional labor, from remembering birthdays to mediating family conflicts. This frees men from the mental load that women regularly juggle.
Professional Networking Advantages
Men often find it easier to network professionally, too, as many industries are still male-dominated, making it simpler for men to connect and bond over shared experiences and interests. This networking edge can lead to more job opportunities and career advancements.
More Social Freedom
If you generally have more social freedom to express yourself without fear of judgment, you’re probably a man. Whether it’s cracking a joke or speaking their mind in a meeting, men are often given more leeway to be themselves, while women may face backlash for the same behavior.
Allowed to be Assertive
When men are assertive or ambitious, they are often seen as confident and capable while a female displaying the same traits might be labeled as bossy or aggressive. This double standard means men can push for what they want without facing as much social penalty.
Easier Access to Financial Resources
You’ll often have better access to financial resources as a male, whether it’s securing a loan or attracting investors for a business. This is partly due to the perception that men are more reliable or capable in handling money, giving them a financial boost women struggle to match.
More Leisure Time
Due to fewer household responsibilities and societal expectations, men generally enjoy more leisure time than women. They can more easily pursue hobbies, relax, or focus on personal development without the added pressure of balancing work and extensive home duties or chores.
Higher Value Placed on Opinions
In discussions and decision-making processes, the opinion of a man is often given more weight. Whether in a family setting or a corporate meeting, men’s viewpoints are frequently considered the default or more rational, marginalizing women’s contributions in the same setting.
Greater Acceptance of Mediocrity
If you’re more likely to be accepted in positions of power, even if you’re mediocre, you’re a man. Women often have to work twice as hard to prove their worth and still might not receive the same level of respect or opportunities, reinforcing the cycle of male dominance.
Lower Risk of Sexual Objectification
Experiencing less sexual objectification compared to women is a daily occurrence for the opposite gender. They can generally dress how they like without fear of being judged or harassed based on their appearance, and this allows men to navigate social and professional environments with less anxiety about their looks.
More Positive Reinforcement
From a young age, boys often receive more positive reinforcement for their achievements. This encouragement can boost their confidence and ambition, helping them to pursue their goals more aggressively and successfully than their female peers who struggle with the exact same goal.
Fewer Career Sacrifices
One final male privilege we see in society all the time is that they are less likely to face pressure to choose between their career and family. While women often have to make significant career sacrifices to accommodate family responsibilities, men can typically pursue their professional ambitions with fewer compromises.
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