A man reading a paper. Copyright: Roman Kraft/Unsplash

Norms in the news

Welcome to ALIGN’s norms in the news page where we profile media stories related to gender and social norms. Here we provide links to a range of news stories which illuminate the impact of harmful norms, newfound data and information on measuring and understanding norms. Many of these articles explore how norms are changing in different societies, and discuss policies and approaches that affect norms. Not all stories use the terminology ‘gender norms’, but they all help highlight topics where gender and social norms have a clear influence.

Please do share any relevant articles you see by submitting the title and link in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Please note, views in these articles are the publication's own and do not necessarily reflect those of ALiGN or the Overseas Development Institute. 

United Kingdom

A woman vacuums whilst a man reads his been. Copyright Getty images
UK advertising watchdog to crack down on sexist stereotypes

Theme: Media
Source: The Guardian - United Kingdom

Iran

Iran's law requires women to cover their hair and wear loose garment to hide their body and skin [Majid Saeedi/Getty Images]
Iranians boycott ride-hailing app after hijab controversy

Theme: Law
Source: Aljazeera - Qatar

USA

“The Smiths share the drudgery of housework, for they both have important war jobs,” the Office of War Information wrote about this photo circa 1944. Credit Library of Congress
Why women, but not men, are judged for a messy house

Theme: Men, boys and masculinities
Source: New York Times - USA

Global

« Pas pour les filles ? », de Mélissa Plaza, Robert Laffont
Voir une athlète forte et puissante brise les préjugés associés au genre féminin

Theme: Sport
Source: Le Monde - France

Global

A woman holds a placard at a rally reading " Equal pay for equal work." Copyright Ronen Tivony/LightRocket/Getty Images"
Not one single country set to achieve gender equality by 2030

Theme: Data, tools and measurement
Source: The Guardian - United Kingdom

Global

Many believe that Siri is submissive in the face of gender abuse. Image: REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett
Hey Siri, you're sexist, finds UN report on gendered technology

Theme: Media
Source: World Economic Forum - Switzerland

South Africa

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is sworn in as South Africa's Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, May 30, 2019. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Women this week: Gender-balanced government

Theme: Politics
Source: Council on Foreign Relations - USA

Afghanistan

Afghan women at the traditional national assembly, or loya jirga, in Kabul on Monday.CreditCreditOmar Sobhani/Reuters
‘You Should Be in the Kitchen’: At Afghan Assembly, Women Are Told They Don’t Belong

Theme: Politics
Source: The New York Times - USA

Global

Pew Research Center logo
A changing world: Global views on diversity, gender equality, family life and the importance of religion

Theme: Data, tools and measurement
Source: The Pew Research Center - USA