Is this power dynamic typically the case?

Question

I came across a study recently, and was wondering if others think its findings are true. (There were numerous articles on it, but this one's relatively brief: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/isu-sfw070507.php )

Basically, the study found that in relationships women are usually the ones 'in charge'. I found it a bit surprising, but I asked a few female friends about it and they all agreed with it. I'm still not sure what my thoughts are on the topic, but was wondering what others think.

Answer 1

The obsession with power is inherent in both sexes, as is the ability to compromise.

Marriage is more empowering for women than it is for men because quite frankly the  resultant of our courts reflect this when the marriage is over.

If power is a central issue within a relationship with a couple then good luck with a miserable future. Nurturing a relationship is about compromising and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each other and complimenting /accomodating them when needed.  Isn't that what love is about?

Simply because one has the ability to compromise doesn't mean they are necessarily submissive.

Answer 2

"There are two kinds of male/female relationships: Ones where the women are in charge, and ones where the women allow the men to think they are in charge."

Answer 3

Despite the headline, this study is very situation specific:

"wives, on average, exhibit greater situational power -- in the form of domineering and dominant behaviors -- than their husbands DURING PROBLEM-SOLVING DISCUSSIONS"

(Emphasis mine.)

Coupled with a fairly small sample size, it's interesting but not compelling.

Also, there is not enough information given about variables, such as upbringing, problem solving willingness and ability in other situations (e.g., the workplace, school, etc) of the parties, and what sort of investment each have in the problem being solved.

That's not to say it's not correct, but this particluar study doesn't really prove anything much.

Anecdotally, most of us would know that in most relationships there is a partner who is dominant in some situations and a partner that is dominant in others.

For example, one partner may always decide what food is eaten, and the other not  feel responsible about that, so if a problem arises (What will we have for dinner?) the partner who doesn't feel involved in the issue may be less inclined to get involved in the problem solving.

That's just one way I can see that a variable could effect the outcomes of a study like this.

One of the problems I have with this type of study is people read about it, and while the original person may read it thoroughly, after two or three re-tellings it becomes 'fact' ~ oh, studies prove etc etc etc, when actually, studies prove nothing of the kind.

That is how misinformation gets started.

Cheers :-)

Answer 4

It probably depends on what you're talking about "being in charge of", but yes, it sounds about right, at least in terms of the everyday issues.

Answer 5

traditionally women have been in charge at home, this is nothing new.

Answer 6

I do agree that in most relationships I know of, the female is "in charge". I would say that that is a product of the Feminist movement teaching girls that boys and men are idiots who need to be trained, and teaching boys that they are stupid with out females.