Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Beyond Neutrality: Uncovering Gender Bias in Workplace Dress Codes - Legal Frameworks, Unequal Burdens, and Intersectional Perspectives

Qihui KeDurham University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Workplace dress codes and grooming standards are often shown as neutral rules that keep professionalism and company image. But these rules often bring inequality. They put more cost in money, health, and time on women and gender-nonconforming workers. They also follow old ideas about gender and class, not real work needs. This paper looks at dress codes from law and sociology. From law, it shows how antidiscrimination rules cover appearance and how employer defenses are limited. It also shows that laws give some tools to fight unfair rules, but rulings are not always the same and protections for some groups are weak. From sociology, it shows that dress codes work as control and keep gender roles and hierarchies. The analysis shows that dress codes are not only about style but rules that shape identity and keep inequality. The study concludes that meaningful change requires gender-neutral policies, stronger legal protections, and cultural shifts that redefine professionalism in more inclusive ways.

Keywords: dress codes; gender inequality; workplace discrimination
Published: November 5, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT29506
Volume: CHR Vol.95
pp. 118-126
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