double standard

/ˌdʌbəl ˌstændərd/

/ˈdʌbəl ˈstændəd/

Other forms: double standards

A double standard is a code or policy that favors one group or person over another. Double standards are unfair. If a teacher lets all the boys bring candy for lunch but not the girls, that’s a double standard.

A standard is a way of evaluating someone, and a double standard is two-faced. It’s like having a rule that applies to some people one way and another way to others. Men getting paid more for the same work than women is a double standard. Anytime some are held to a higher standard than others, there's a double standard because everyone isn't being treated fairly.

Definitions of double standard

1. noun

   an ethical or moral code that applies more strictly to one group than to another
   types:

   double standard of sexual behavior

   a code that permits greater sexual freedom for men than for women (associated with the subordination of women)

   type of:

   ethic, ethical code

   a system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct