Geese Equity: A Study in Fairness

 

The phrase "What's fair for the goose is fair for the gander" is a well-worn idiom that promotes fairness and equal treatment.

Here's a breakdown of its history and significance:

• Origin (1670s): The idiom emerged around the 1670s. Interestingly, an even earlier version existed: "as deep drinketh the goose as the gander" (1562).

• Literal Meaning: It uses geese to represent people. A gander is the male goose. So, quite literally, the saying means whatever sauce or treatment is suitable for the female goose (goose) applies equally to the male goose (gander).

• Figurative Meaning: The figurative meaning applies the literal concept to human situations. If something is considered alright for one person, it should be alright for another in a similar situation, especially if there's a double standard based on gender. Traditionally, it addressed situations where women were denied freedoms or opportunities enjoyed by men.

• Significance:

  • Fairness and Equality: This proverb emphasizes fairness and calls out hypocrisy. If something is considered acceptable, it should be acceptable for everyone in the same situation, regardless of gender or other arbitrary factors.
  • Social Commentary: Historically, it functioned as a social commentary, highlighting gender inequality. Over time, it has been applied to broader concepts of fairness beyond gender.

There's a variant: "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" This variant uses "sauce" instead of "good," but the meaning remains the same.