15 Behaviors Society Used to Accept—But Not Anymore

Imagine walking into a restaurant filled with cigarette smoke, or your boss casually making a sexist joke at a staff meeting. 

Just a few decades ago, these scenarios were unremarkable parts of daily life. Today, they’d likely spark outrage or even legal action. 

As we explore 15 behaviors that have transitioned from socially acceptable to taboo, you might find yourself surprised by how much has changed in a relatively short time. What other social norms might be on the cusp of transformation?

1. Smoking in Public Places

In the 1950s and 60s, smoking was not only socially acceptable but also seen as a symbol of sophistication and glamour. Cigarette advertisements featuring celebrities were commonplace, and people freely smoked in restaurants, airplanes, and even hospitals. 

Today, smoking in public places is heavily restricted and often viewed as inconsiderate and harmful to others.

2. Child Labor

Before the introduction of child labor laws in the early 20th century, it was common for children as young as 5 years old to work in factories, mines, and farms.

While this practice is now considered a violation of children’s rights and is strictly prohibited in most countries, it was once seen as a necessary contribution to family income.

3. Public Executions

Public executions were once a popular form of entertainment, with crowds gathering to witness the gruesome spectacle.

In ancient Rome, gladiatorial contests and executions were held in amphitheaters, drawing thousands of spectators. 

4. Corporal Punishment in Schools

In the past, it was common for teachers to physically discipline students using rulers, paddles, or even their hands. This practice, known as corporal punishment, was widely accepted as a means of maintaining order and discipline in the classroom. 

5. Marital Rape

Until the late 20th century, marital rape was not recognized as a crime in many countries, including the United States.^(ref) The notion that a husband could not rape his wife was based on the belief that marriage implied continuous consent. 

6. Blackface in Entertainment

Blackface, the practice of non-black performers darkening their skin to portray black characters, was once a common and accepted form of entertainment. Minstrel shows featuring white performers in blackface were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, blackface is recognized as a deeply offensive and racist practice.

7. Lobotomies as Mental Health Treatment

In the 1940s and 50s, lobotomies were performed on patients with mental illnesses as a means of “curing” them. This invasive brain surgery, which involved severing connections in the prefrontal cortex, often left patients with severe disabilities and altered personalities. 

8. Racial Segregation

Racial segregation, the practice of separating people based on their race, was once legally enforced in many parts of the United States. The “separate but equal” doctrine allowed for segregated schools, public facilities, and transportation.

Today, racial segregation is illegal and viewed as a violation of civil rights.

9. Forced Sterilization

In the early to mid-20th century, forced sterilization was practiced in many countries, including the United States, as a means of controlling populations deemed “unfit” to reproduce.

This often targeted individuals with disabilities, mental illnesses, or those from marginalized communities. 

10. Dueling to Settle Disputes

In the 18th and 19th centuries, dueling was a common way for gentlemen to settle disputes and defend their honor. The practice involved two individuals fighting with swords or pistols, often resulting in injury or death. 

11. Freak Shows

Freak shows, which featured individuals with physical abnormalities or disabilities as entertainment, were popular attractions in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

People with conditions such as dwarfism, albinism, or conjoined twins were often exploited and put on display for profit. 

12. Unregulated Child Adoption

Before the introduction of modern adoption laws and regulations, child adoption was often an informal and unregulated process. Children could be adopted without background checks or oversight, leading to instances of abuse and trafficking. 

13. Asbestos in Building Materials

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely used in building materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. 

It was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Today, the use of asbestos is heavily restricted or banned in many countries.^(ref)

14. Radium in Consumer Products

In the early 20th century, radium was touted as a miracle cure and was added to various consumer products, including toothpaste, cosmetics, and even food. However, the dangers of radiation exposure were not yet fully understood, and many people suffered severe health consequences as a result. 

15. Cocaine in Soft Drinks

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cocaine was a legal substance and was even used as an ingredient in some popular soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola.

The drink’s original formula contained a small amount of cocaine, which was believed to have medicinal properties.^(ref)