“Girls don’t propose! ew.”: A mixed-methods examination of marriage tradition preferences and benevolent sexism in emerging adults
From Journal of Adolescent Research
Throughout the past several decades, the United States has seen a steady increase in women’s status. Overt sexism is on the decline and women are becoming increasingly well represented in prestigious, high-paying jobs. Despite these welcome improvements, many gender-typed norms related to heterosexual courtship and marriage have remained remarkably stable over time. In this study analysis was used to explore how emerging adults explained their preferences for two marriage traditions: marriage proposals and surname changes. Findings from a survey of 277 suggest people typically adhere to marriage-related norms in the name of tradition or romance. The researchers sought to establish an empirical connection between women’s and men’s marriage tradition preferences and their level of sexism. The hope is that the findings will spur heightened attention to marriage traditions and other heterosexual romantic relationship practices that have the distinction of being both ubiquitous and seldom questioned.
Abstract
Thematic analysis was used to explore how emerging adults explained their preferences for two marriage traditions: marriage proposals and surname changes. Quantitative analyses were subsequently used to examine the association between benevolent sexism and participants’ marriage-tradition preferences. A sample of 277 undergraduates (M = 19 years) completed a survey that included open- and closed-ended questions about attitudes toward marriage traditions and gender-role ideology. Results of the thematic analysis indicated that both women and men tended to hold traditional marriage preferences—especially with regards to marriage proposals. Multiple regression indicated that endorsing benevolent sexism was related to holding more traditional preferences. The findings are interpreted in relation to the role that hidden power may play in many heterosexual romantic relationships.
Article details
Rachael D. Robnett, & Campbell Leaper (2012). “Girls Don’t Propose! Ew.”: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Marriage Tradition Preferences and Benevolent Sexism in Emerging Adults Journal of Adolescent Research : 10.1177/0743558412447871
Tags: emerging adulthood, gender, intimacy, romantic relationships
SAGE Insight 
July 26, 2012 at 5:34 pm |
Throughout the past several decades, the United States has seen a steady increase in women’s status. Overt sexism is on the decline and women are becoming increasingly well represented in prestigious, high-paying jobs.
Apparently, it isn’t. Be practical here. You’re theoretical. Men still propose to women to prevent women from cheating and get women to commit to them. Women still take men’s last names to ensure their paternity.
August 2, 2012 at 6:54 pm |
[…] Examining the traditions of marriage proposals and surname changes reveal we adhere to marriage-rela… From Journal of Adolescent Research […]
January 16, 2013 at 2:21 am |
It’s an intuitive, convenient and easy to use application that brings the world of Charter to your Black – Berry device. It is not just relying on these scientific formulas and superficial tests. Many people have continued their relationships and even been married through online dating methods.