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PsyPost
PsyPost
1y ago 260 views

Study Finds Women View Male Partners as Less Reliable When Experiencing Protective Paternalism

A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that women who experience higher levels of protective paternalism tend to perceive their male partners as less reliable. Protective paternalism is a form of benevolent sexism that ostensibly aims to protect women but can also undermine their autonomy.
Study Finds Women View Male Partners as Less Reliable When Experiencing Protective Paternalism
A What happened
A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that women who experience higher levels of protective paternalism tend to perceive their male partners as less reliable. Protective paternalism is a form of benevolent sexism that ostensibly aims to protect women but can also undermine their autonomy.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Impact of Protective Paternalism

    The study reveals that women subjected to protective paternalism may develop negative perceptions about their partners' reliability and competence.

  • 2

    Benevolent Sexism

    Protective paternalism is a type of benevolent sexism that can subtly reinforce traditional gender roles and diminish women’s sense of agency.

  • 3

    Research Methodology

    Researchers conducted surveys and interviews with women in romantic relationships to assess their experiences of protective paternalism and their perceptions of their partners.

  • 4

    Psychological Consequences

    Women experiencing protective paternalism reported feeling less confident in their partner's abilities and more uncertain about their relationship's stability.

Takeaways

The study sheds light on the negative implications of protective paternalism in romantic relationships, suggesting that while it may appear well-intentioned, it can erode trust and diminish perceived reliability in male partners. This underscores the importance of promoting equality and mutual respect in relationships to foster healthier dynamics.