Life — December 4, 1924 — page 42: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents two satirical cartoons about gender relations and marriage. **"The Single Standard"** mocks the double standard regarding morality and property. A sister complains to their mother that her brother "Johnnie" repeatedly borrows her sweater and knickers (underwear). The cartoon's title ironically suggests applying a "single standard" — implying women shouldn't tolerate men's casual appropriation of their belongings or bodies. **"Pre-Alimony"** depicts a newlywed couple examining furniture in their home. When asked about the furniture's period, the wife replies "My first marriage" — a darkly humorous reference to the expectation that she'll be married multiple times and accumulate possessions from each marriage. This satirizes both pessimistic marriage prospects and the financial settlements (alimony) women might expect from divorces. Both cartoons critique gender inequalities and marital instability in early 20th-century society.