Watch: Videos of Finnish PM Sanna Marin partying and Anthony Albanese chugging beer sparks double standard conversation

A 36-year-old woman drinking and dancing with friends in a private residence and a 59-year-old man sculling a beer at a live music gig in front of thousands.

The first, as news outlets worldwide so readily kept us informed about this past week, is Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin.

Elected in 2019 as the world's youngest leader, Ms Marin was thrown into a global spotlight leading to a voluntary drug test (which came back negative) after footage of her partying during time off was leaked.

The second is Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, who captivated a nation by sculling a beer during a Gang of Youths concert at the Enmore Theatre.

Momentarily stealing the spotlight from front man Dave Le'aupepe, Mr Albanese carried on a unique Australian tradition of pollies on the piss, and in the process, received a rockstar reception around the country.

Knowing Australians, a shoey would have all but ensured his re-election in 2025.

What do these two moments at opposite ends of the globe tell us about leadership, responsibility, humanity, sexism and ageism?

And are we truly comfortable with elected world leaders taking a break to cut loose?

What we can say with near certainty is that these moments once again highlight the extreme double-standard that women face in their everyday professional lives.

Despite the strides we've made, the image of a young woman dancing with the lights down, in a group, drinking and moving her body (suggestively, in conservative parlance) still evokes harsh, global judgement.

Whatever you think about Ms Marin's leadership qualities and on whichever side of the political spectrum you land, the argument that the Finnish prime minister was treated fairly this past week is thin.

That became clearer when our very own prime minister swapped his suit for a Joy Division t-shirt and truly became 'Albo'.

By finishing his plastic cup of beer amid cheers and chants, Mr Albanese embodied, likely knowingly, Labor predecessor and beloved political figure, Bob Hawke.

Long after famously calling for no boss to sack an employee missing work to celebrate Australia's 1983 America's Cup win, 'the people's PM' never shied away from a full schooner and a crowd of cricket fans.

Hawke's Brewing Co is now a successful craft brewery operating out of Sydney, with the late prime minister's face, an icon of beer drinking, as its logo.

You can sit down for an Albo Pale Ale at Willie the Boatman brewery in St Peters (formerly the Albo Corn Ale for those who recall pre-election days).

And who could forget Tony Abbott making international headlines for downing a beer in six (or seven, depending on who you ask) seconds at a Sydney pub.

These moments represented, for better or worse, Aussie larrikinism.

But Ms Marin's actions garnered shame, with accusations of drug use and a total lack of judgement.

While utterly disheartening, that reaction is not surprising for a world still adjusting to the notion of female leaders, let alone one in her mid-30s.

Although now a cult feminist hero to many, could Julia Gillard have ever received a standing ovation for polishing off a cold beer during her time as prime minister?

Fronting up to the media to answer for the crime of vigorously socialising, Ms Marin denied the use of illicit drugs and said she would not change as a person moving forward.

"I have a family life, I have a work life and I have free time to spend with my friends," she said.

"Pretty much the same as many people my age."

Thankfully, much of the world recognised this as truth and the internet, with all its many, many faults, provided some hope.

In a show of solidarity with Ms Marin, women around the world began posting social media videos of themselves dancing - an appropriate reminder to many knickers that needed un-knotting.

Elsewhere on the internet, Instagram comments underneath a video of Mr Albanese's Enmore Theatre performance praised the Labor leader as relatable.

"Finally. A normal person as PM," said one comment.

"Good to see you enjoying yourself Albo," said another.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying Mr Albanese's sculling exploits, of seeing it as an endearing act and allowing oneself to believe our latest prime minister is just like all of us.

We should want normality for our leaders and be proud to see them demonstrate genuine humanity.

And perhaps Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing instilled too great a fear that an ever-present world crisis requiring immediate presidential decisions looms every hour of the day.

World leaders, like us, are absolutely allowed to cut loose.

But should you break your own laws and attend a party at 10 Downing Street amid a strict, country-wide lockdown? Probably not.

And should you vacation in Hawaii as your country suffers through generational bushfires? Again, probably not.

But unwind, have a drink and keep some aspects of your humanity.

Just use your best judgement, please.