Double Standards in Modern Society: Pro et Contra

Abstract

The article concentrates on double standards in modern society. The existence of double standards implies a wider space of preferences for “friends” and a smaller space for «strangers». This situation arises when a law adopted for the better functioning of the social system starts working against it contrary to the original desires of legislators. The situation creates an alternative institutional environment (micro-institutes) that defy the law and concord with basic interactive norms. If micro institutes based on unified standards are not effective, micro institutes seek to replace them. Hence come double standards. Double standards do not always have a negative influence on society. They sometimes are used to equalize life chances and become part of legislation and society. The author shows that the social policy based on double standards is a simple phenomenon that is not as simple as it sometimes seems. The author believes that double standards are sometimes meet the requirements of social life.