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GCSE English Literature · key term
An unequal judgement of similar sexual behaviour, such as excusing a man’s affair while condemning the woman involved.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Paper 2
Revise: GeraldThe family’s response also exposes a sexual double standard. In Act Two, Birling starts to excuse Gerald by referring to the behaviour of other young men, while Mrs Birling condemns the affair as disgusting. Earlier, Mrs Birling advised Sheila to accept a husband’s absences as part of his important work.
Paper 1
The application of different moral standards to men’s and women’s sexual behaviour, typically excusing men while judging women more harshly.
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Gerald’s response to Sheila also exposes a sexual double standard. In Act Two, after admitting that he enjoyed being Daisy’s rescuer, he adds, “Nearly any man would have done.” He presents his pleasure as ordinary male behaviour, making it easier to excuse himself.
