Gender Norms and the Evolution of Makeup: Why Men Don't Wear as Much Makeup as Women

The question of why men don't commonly wear makeup has long puzzled many. While the answer is multifaceted, it involves a blend of historical, economic, and social factors. This article explores these dimensions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of why makeup remains a predominantly female pursuit.

Historical Context and Social Signifiers

Through history, makeup has had a complex relationship with societal norms and expectations. During periods when makeup was more widely adopted by men, such as among nobility, it served as a symbol of luxury and status. In modern times, however, this trend has largely diminished. Today, makeup serves a different purpose, often reinforcing traditional gender norms and social hierarchies.

makeup, for women, has evolved to reflect their status and desirability, much like it once did for nobility. Women's fashion, fueled by historical customs, continues to emphasize luxury and presentation. This emphasis has contributed to women's higher rates of makeup usage, as it aligns with societal expectations of their role and appearance.

Pragmatism vs. Aesthetics

When considering practicality, it's evident that makeup serves little purpose for men, particularly in working environments such as fields or factories. These settings prioritize function over form, making makeup less accessible and less appealing for men. Additionally, men's fashion has traditionally leaned towards practicality and subtlety, further deterring the widespread use of makeup.

A notable trend in men's grooming is the practice of shaving, which has been prevalent since after World War I. Facial hair, particularly well-groomed beards, has also become a form of status and individuality, with the time and effort invested in maintaining a well-groomed beard signaling a certain level of self-care and discipline.

Psychological Factors and Sexual Selection

Psychological factors also play a significant role in the gendered distribution of makeup use. Men, generally selected based on their ability to provide for a future wife and her children, tend to focus on practical and utilitarian aspects of their appearance, often eschewing makeup as an unnecessary luxury. In contrast, women are often selected based on their fertility, with good looks being a common phenotype of fertility.

Historically, makeup has been seen as a sign of leisure and wealth, implying that the person wearing it doesn't have to work. This perception persists in modern times, where men's success is more frequently defined by their ability to work rather than spending time on such non-functional activities. Furthermore, the rise of business leaders and their ostentation leads to a shift in societal values, where hard work and success are more highly regarded than the leisurely pursuit of luxury.

Equality and Social Fluidity

Equality, both in work and in other societal settings, has an interesting impact on makeup usage. In societies with higher levels of gender equality, where socio-economic gaps are minimized, the reasons for using makeup diminish. Women in more egalitarian societies tend to wear less makeup, mirroring the lower makeup usage among men. This trend underscores the idea that when women are highly visible and valued in professional and social spheres, the need to stand out through makeup decreases.

On the other hand, in societies with lower levels of equality, women and men alike may use more makeup as a means of standing out and projecting a certain image to fit into a socio-economic hierarchy. Plastic surgery, too, has seen shifts based on socio-economical status, with wealthier individuals often seeking more extensive procedures to maintain their status within these hierarchies.

Conclusion

While makeup remains a powerful tool for self-expression and social validation, the reasons why men don't commonly use it are rooted in deeply ingrained historical, economic, and social factors. Understanding these factors can help us appreciate the complexity of gender norms and their impact on various aspects of society.

Keywords: makeup, gender norms, social benefits