Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A new study is challenging conventional beliefs about relationships, revealing that single women tend to flourish, while single men often struggle with singlehood.
Published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, the research conducted by Elaine Hoan and Professor Geoff MacDonald of the University of Toronto analyzed data from nearly 6,000 adults, assessing their life satisfaction, relationships, and sexual fulfillment, according to Earth.com.
The findings suggest that men may have more to gain than women from being in a romantic relationship, while women tend to thrive in singlehood.
The Role of Societal Expectations
The study highlights how societal norms influence men’s experiences with dating and being single. Hoan explains that traditional masculinity places significant emphasis on romantic and sexual success.
“There’s this idea that being a ‘real man’ means being someone who ‘gets the girl’, it’s seen as a status symbol,” said Hoan. This expectation can make it harder for men to embrace singlehood and lead to frustration if they struggle to find a partner.
Men also tend to find initiating relationships more difficult, leading to greater isolation or dissatisfaction when single. In contrast, women are not subjected to the same pressure to prove their desirability, allowing them to enjoy their independence more fully.
Sexual Fulfillment
The study has revealed that single women report higher levels of sexual fulfillment compared to their male counterparts.
Traditional gender roles have historically prioritized men’s sexual needs over women’s in relationships. As a result, single women may experience greater freedom to explore their own pleasure without the constraints of prioritizing a male partner’s satisfaction.
For men, singlehood often correlates with a lack of sexual experiences, contributing to feelings of dissatisfaction. In contrast, women may find it easier to navigate their sexuality on their own terms, potentially explaining their higher levels of fulfillment.
Social Support
Another key finding of the study highlights the role of social networks in singlehood. Women tend to have stronger social support systems, which may contribute to their greater happiness while single. Close friendships and emotional support often provide many of the benefits typically associated with romantic relationships, making single life more fulfilling and less lonely.
Men, on the other hand, are more likely to rely heavily on their romantic partners for emotional connection. The absence of strong friendships can make singlehood feel more isolating for men compared to women.
Financial Independence
Financial independence has also emerged as a crucial factor in women’s contentment with singlehood. Historically, marriage provided women with economic security, but today, many women are financially self-sufficient.
As a result, financial stability is no longer a primary motivation for entering into relationships. Women now have the freedom to prioritize personal happiness and well-being over traditional societal expectations of partnership and marriage.
Men’s Anxiety Over Being Single
The study builds on existing research showing that men tend to fear singlehood more than women. Younger men, in particular, struggle with being single, while older men tend to become more accepting of their single status over time.
While the study does not directly address why romantic relationships may be less fulfilling for women, it supports existing research on gender roles within relationships. In heterosexual relationships, women often bear a disproportionate share of domestic and emotional labor. This imbalance can make relationships feel more burdensome than beneficial, leading some women to find singlehood more rewarding.
Additionally, studies show that women’s sexual pleasure is often deprioritized in relationships, which may contribute to their higher levels of sexual fulfillment when single. Without the constraints of an imbalanced partnership, women may experience greater autonomy and personal satisfaction.
Read Also:
Study Finds Kissing for 10 Seconds Transfers 80 Million Bacteria
The findings by researchers Elaine Hoan and Professor Geoff MacDonald challenge traditional narratives about relationships and happiness. Their study suggests that singlehood is not inherently negative, specially for women, while societal pressures on men to seek relationships may contribute to their lower well-being when single.
The researchers plan to continue examining how marriage and romantic relationships impact well-being on a global scale. As cultural attitudes toward relationships evolve, their findings may help shape new perspectives on love, partnership, and personal fulfillment.
(Raidi/Agung)
