Decent woman Quote by Irmgard Keun
““If a young woman from money marries an old man because of money and nothing else and makes love to him for hours and has this pious look on her face, she's called a German mother and a decent woman. If a young woman without money sleeps with a man with no money because he has smooth skin and she likes him, she's a whore and a bitch.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Artificial Marriage by Irmgard Keun, 1935
The quote critiques double standards in how society labels women’s sexual behavior based on economic status and age differences.
In simple terms: Society judges women differently depending on money and age.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge gendered double standards.
Themes
gender inequality
sexual double standards
class
hypocrisy
Mood
critical
reflective
defiant
Type
sociological
feminist
observational
When to use this quote
- dating
- marriage
- sexual autonomy
- social perception
Key Concepts
feminist critique
social stigma
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do economic and age differences shape moral judgments?
- What can change these biased labels?
A Different Perspective
The observation may overlook individual agency and cultural context.
