Changing women’s behavior in the workplace—like altering how we ask for a raise or adjusting our posture—yields little benefit, as the root issue lies in systemic sexism, not in women’s actions. However, the conversation around grooming is different. Choosing to spend less time fussing with hair and makeup isn’t the same as modifying professional behaviors. Time and money are interchangeable resources; the half hour you dedicate to a facial routine could be invested elsewhere in your life. Similarly, the $139 spent on skincare tools might be better spent on something more fulfilling. By forgoing painful hair removal methods, you can reclaim both time and money. My piece fundamentally questions what might change if women prioritized living over grooming.
While it’s noted that men also invest time and money in hobbies like sports and cars and still advance in their careers, this is due to entrenched sexism. Absolutely correct. Yet, grooming isn’t simply a frivolous pastime akin to sports or car collecting. It’s often a necessary response to societal expectations regarding feminine presentation. This reflects a classic double standard: what is deemed “appropriate for work” varies drastically between genders, often placing heavier and more expensive demands on women.
My critic, Jamie, argues that my article falls into the trap of expecting women to simply “rise up and rebel” to create change. However, grooming provides a valid avenue for protest. Rejecting oppressive beauty standards has a rich history in feminism—from suffragettes donning bloomers to the iconic bob of flapper Irene Castle; from Helen Hulick’s courtroom defiance by refusing dresses to Hillary Clinton’s signature pantsuits. In fact, “rebelling correctly” is often what drives cultural transformation.
It’s important to acknowledge that not every woman is bound to a stringent grooming routine; many have mastered a quick and easy style. Yes, some women find joy in the process of primping (I’m guilty of it myself—there’s a certain satisfaction to finding the perfect lipstick!). And yes, men do invest effort in their appearance too; marketers will always seek to capitalize on vanity and insecurity.
No one is advocating for a complete abandonment of grooming; I’m not suggesting we all start appearing like Animal from the Muppets. However, we must recognize the significant disparity between what is expected of men versus women, a gap that consumes vast amounts of time and money. We need to discern when our natural inclination to enhance our appearance crosses into a cultural expectation that disproportionately burdens one gender over another.
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In summary, the focus on grooming is a reflection of societal pressures that amplify the differences between men and women. It is vital to challenge these norms and seek a balance that allows for personal expression without the weight of cultural expectations.
Keyphrase: grooming and societal expectations
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