Market Basket needs to reconsider the language in their gender-specific dress code, which equates to sexism according to modern standards. 

For example, the dress code states that females are not allowed to wear  “unnatural” makeup, hair coloring or piercings. But what about men? The dress code does not specifically state that males cannot wear makeup.

Meanwhile, men are required to shave daily. So what about a hirsute female employee?

While neither gender can wear rings, show tattoos or adorn excessive jewelry, the female employees must also wear their hair up, and the men must always have their hair cut shorter than their ears. This is blatantly sexist, creating  differences in what is accepted in both genders. 

If men are required to keep their hair above their ears, why are women different? If women can have longer hair and keep it up, why can’t men?

The company needs to update their dress code to fit today’s society and discourage sexism in the workplace. They require that every employee adhere to the dress code, even employees who work one day a week. If the rules are not followed, it could lead to disciplinary action and possible termination. 

I understand why a lot of my peers work there. Wages start at $10-13 an hour, which is good for a first job, and I understand how appealing a check can be. Full disclosure: I worked at Market Basket for two months almost a year ago.

But the truth is that the business’s dress code goes against everything our society is trying to teach people to avoid: static gender roles and sexism. It’s time that not only Market Basket but all businesses revisit some of these dated dress codes.