Women and children first (saying)

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This article is about the expression. For the Van Halen album, see Women and Children First (album).

Women and children first is a well-known saying, that implies that the lives of women (all ages) and children are to be saved first (as opposed to "Every man for himself") if the lives of a certain collection of people are at stake. The practice arose from the chivalrous actions of soldiers during sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in 1852, though the phrase itself was not coined until 1860.[1] Although never part of international maritime law, the phrase was popularized in its usage on the RMS Titanic,[2] where, as a consequence of this practice, 74% of women on board were saved, 52% of children - but only 20% of men.[3]

Among passengers (i.e. excluding crew members) the gender disparity was even more overwhelming, with 72% of women surviving and only 7% of men.[4] Some masculists and men's rights activists have viewed this, along with policies of conscription, as evidence of what Warren Farrell refers to as "male disposability."[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Women and Children First. Retrieved on 2007-05-08.
  2. ^ Logan Marshall (2004). Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters. ISBN 1419147358. Retrieved on 2008-02-27. 
  3. ^ "Titanic Casualty Figures"
  4. ^ a b Carey Roberts (April 26, 2006). Titanic Chivalry. ifeminists.com.
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