From the beginning of time, men were traditionally the protectors, and the defenders of the weaker members of the group, women and children. Women and children were softer, less muscular, smaller, and more vulnerable. It wasn’t a sexist thing. It was just anatomy.

No one knows for sure where the rule of “women and children first” was first spoken, but it has been in practice for centuries. On ships, or in times of danger, the weakest, women, children, the elderly, or those with infirmities, were evacuated first. The idea was that the stronger male could stay behind to handle the situation, and had a better chance of survival on his own. Women were also bearers of children, which made them important to the future of the group. Children, of course, like all animal young, were protected by the entire family or clan.

Men by virtue of the fact that they were stronger, and accustomed to being hunters and warriors, were the first line of protection, and the barrier between danger and the rest of the family. They were the ones who were most likely to be able to face danger, on their own, and survive. In history, there have always been dangers. Wars, wild animals, and natural disasters were daily occurrences. The preservation of children, and the women who produced them were top priorities.

By the Middle Ages, chivalry dictated that in order to be noble, a man was a defender of the Faith, and of womanhood. Knights championed the honor and protection of the ladies of the realm.

Through the centuries, the rule has become a matter of honor among men, so much so, that men who survived ship wrecks were often questioned as to how and why they were still alive. In the case of the Titanic, men of all ages, all social standing and all walks of life, stayed on the ship after seeing their wives, children and other women off on the few lifeboats that were available. During the inquiry that followed, men that had managed to swim to a lifeboat and survive, were under suspicion.

There is still an instinctual tendency for most men to make sure that women and children are protected. In fires, accidents, floods, or whatever disaster, their first concern is for the “weaker” victims. While some women may take exception to this rule in the age of feminism, it still exists, because it is part of being a male, and the protector of the species.