A usual way of behaving or doing something in a particular society, place, or group; a tradition or habit.
From Old French 'custume' or 'coutume', from Latin 'consuetudo' meaning 'habit or usage'. The idea moved from personal habits to shared social practices.
A custom is a habit that a whole group of people shares. When enough people repeat a behavior over time, it stops being just a choice and starts feeling like 'what we do'.
'Customs' in many societies have encoded gender roles, defining appropriate work, dress, and behavior differently for men and women. Language about 'traditional customs' can sometimes obscure how these norms limited women’s autonomy and opportunities.
When referring to customs, be explicit about which practices are gendered and avoid romanticizing traditions that restrict people’s rights based on gender.
["practice","convention","norm"]
In describing customs that have changed, highlight the role of women and gender minorities in challenging restrictive norms and shaping new practices.
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