In ancient civilizations, people carried their belongings in small bags or pouches that were tied around their waists or worn around the neck. These early mobile storage solutions could be considered the precursors to modern-day pockets. They were essentially small containers or receptacles attached to the body. Thus, from a linguistic perspective, these primitive pockets can be seen as things rather than places.

As fashion evolved, so did pockets. In the 17th century, men''s clothing began to include sewn-in pockets as a standard feature. These pockets were spacious, situated on the outside of garments, and accessible from the top. Women''s clothing, on the other hand, lacked this convenience. Instead, women often relied on small bags attached to their skirts or carried separate purses. This gender disparity in pocket accessibility became a symbol of societal expectations and gender inequality.

During the 19th century, as industrialization progressed, pocket designs became more standardized across genders. Pockets were no longer confined to specific garments but were incorporated into various types of clothing, such as trousers, coats, and even waistcoats. Their function evolved beyond mere storage, transforming into functional places to keep everyday items. Thus, pockets began to possess characteristics of both places and things, blurring the boundaries between the two.

Furthermore, pockets can symbolize gender equality or the lack thereof. Throughout history, the prevalence or absence of pockets in women''s clothing has reflected societal norms and expectations. The presence of accessible and functional pockets in gender-neutral attire indicates progress towards equality, while their absence perpetuates antiquated gender roles.