A Double Standard in Death? Gender Differences in Obituaries

Abstract

Male/female differences in aging-related issues may extend beyond individuals' actual lives. Gender differences in 869 obituaries, death notices, and memorials were examined. Males, compared to females, had significantly more lines describing careers. Support was also found for a possible double standard in obituary pictures; while pictures were more likely to be included in male than female obituaries, the discrepancy between actual age and estimated pictured age was significantly greater for women than men. This greater emphasis on careers for men and younger appearance for women in obituaries parallels gendered expectations for adult men and women in our society.