...serious thoughts pertaining to the dynamics of Black romantic relationships in college upon traveling to Atlanta and conversing for hours with Spelman College’s exceptional Black women. It was like the television show A Different World. While my reason for routinely making the two hour trip from my college was to convince a particular one of these women that she was to be my wife, it became clear that a unique dynamic was on the horizon. Many of the educated Black women I encountered had confidence in their academic and professional journey, but lacked clarity on whether enough educated Black men with at least an ounce of swagger shared their dream of creating a formidable family. It was a fair question then, and remains a growing dilemma affecting educated Black women today. Since that time I have consistently spoken with Brothers, Sisters, family members, friends, and others about the challenges facing Black relationships. Those conversations have inspired me to share my humble thoughts for anyone willing to indulge me. As you read beyond the passion of my words, hopefully sincerity and love will be visible, along with a creative spirit that you find interesting enough to continue the exposé. Expect to see the tremendous influences of film & television, hip-hop, fiction, nonfiction, humor, politics, scholarship, and of course God as significant portions of my writings. All of these play a vital role in how Black relationships have taken shape. I will italicize significant titles within...
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...psychology. Gender has always provided us with a perspective through which we interpret the world, mainly love and sexuality. These two aforementioned features are intricately entwined and have heavily influenced much of extant research which attempts to explain the impact of love and sexuality on a sociobiological level and on the formation of gender expectations. This essay aims to investigate and explain how attitudes with respect to relationships are affected by gender. In order to achieve this, a compilation of studies that assess the correlation between interpersonal relationships and gender will be considered. Finally, the essay will discuss possible ideas for future development in this field. Although a fine line exists between love, lust and attraction, these three components are often misinterpreted for one another. The need to belong is an evolutionary human instinct, and one that characterises an individual’s chances of survival. It is essential to acknowledge the common attributes of the three preceding elements which determine relationship statuses, so a clearer understanding can be achieved when considering the dissimilarities in attitudes between the genders. Conventionally, love has always been thought to be undemanding and trivial whereas attraction, or borderline infatuation, is affiliated with connections on a deeper energetic level. Lust can be summed up as the craving for sex, where the individuals engage in such activity without being exclusive to each other...
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...Depiction of women and relationship between men and women in Plautus's plays with particular refernce to Pot of Gold I. Overview of Aulularia (Pot of Gold) and main characters: Pot of Glod a translation of original latin play "Aulularia" by the early Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus (254-184 BCE). The title has been translated as The Pot of Gold, and the plot revolves around a literal pot of gold that the miserly protagonist, Euclio, guards zealously. The play’s ending does not survive, though there are indications of how the plot is resolved in later summaries and a few fragments of dialogue. Dramatis Personae referred to in the paper The Household God of Euclio, the Prologue. Euclio, an old gentleman of Athens. Staphyla, his old lady slave. Strobilus, slave of Lyconides. Lyconides, a young gentleman of Athens, Eunomia's son. Phaedria, Euclio's daughter. 2.Women depicted as subservient to men (as they were in reallife) in Roman Comedy 2. a. The puella is one dramatic stereotype of women in Plautine comedy. The puella is the object of the young lover’s affection and the slave’s efforts and whose marriage frequently provides the happy ending of the comedy. 2.a.(i) One sub-category of the puella is the "absent maiden" who is not seen on stage, offers an illuminating evidence about the status puella in comedy. Since she is totally under the domination of her father or guardian until she is handed over to her husband, she is seen in a positive...
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...world. In any type of relationship, business or personal, communication is so important that it can make a business or relationship a success or a failure. Part of the world or the age of the relationship has an impact on a relationship but what can make it or break it, is the communication. Everyone communicates differently because of their backgrounds, their environment, their gender all have a reflection on their perception and their ways of communicating. Gender is known to have the most differences in everything, especially communication. Women like to talk and be open about any topic, while men are quieter and more to themselves. Since men and women tend to have different points of view, their conversations tend to be different. Research shows that “women use communication as a tool to enhance social connections and create relationships,” while men use communication to show dominance and reach actual goals (Merchant, 2012). Women like to have many close relationships with friends, co-workers, and families, while men don’t care for close relationships outside their immediate family. Woman will use the relationships she establishes in a workplace to get the things she needs done. While a man will use his dominance to get what he needs done. If a business values employees’ opinions than a demanding approach wouldn’t be as effective as a persuasive approach, which a woman would use due to her relationships. Women communicate to build relationships and bonds with people...
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...Introduction Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus was written by marriage counselor and seminar leader John Gray. He provides a unique and practical way for men and women to communicate effectively. This allows them to relate better by acknowledging the differences between them. The book offers real life stories that entertains the reader, but also allows them to gain insight about the opposite sex. The book focuses on the differences between men and women. Not only does the book offer examples of how men and women react differently, but it offers suggestions on how to communicate more effectively (Gray, 1992). Summary This book was recognized by New York Times as the number one best seller in 1995. The knowledge gained from Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus is not only beneficial for personal relationships, but it can also be utilized in the professional setting as well. The knowledge that is demonstrated in this book can be applied to all arenas of one's life. This book allows men and women to recognize the differences between communication styles; which is one of the most important factors to have in order to work effectively (Gray, 1992). Definitions John Gray, author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus conveys through several definitions. One definition explains how men go to their “caves” when they stress or de-stress. Men have a tendency to become withdrawn and want to be left alone. Women on the other hand talk about issues. She...
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...Do Men and Women Have Different Sex Drives? There are an incredible number of beliefs behind the varying differences in men and women pertaining to sexual behavior and desire. “Sexual desire is the subjective experience of being interested in sexual objects or activities or wishing to engage in sexual activities (Regan & Berscheid, 1999).” Although men and women have very different ideas of sex and sexual behaviors, many stereotypes have been created to associate the way that men and women are affected by the ideas of sex. Scientific evidence would suggest that some of these stereotypes are in fact true, however many others are false. When examining said stereotypes it is important to realize that differences between a man and woman’s sexual desire pertain to many factors. Men and women vary based on sexual desire due to biology, age, and culture. To start is it important to determine the factors that pertain to male and female arousal. There is a wide variety of differences in what men and women desire. For example “Heterosexual men become aroused mostly by women’s bodies, and homosexual men are aroused mostly by men’s bodies. Heterosexual women, however, are likely to be aroused by visual depictions of either sex, especially if sexual activity is taking place, though lesbians tend to be aroused mostly by erotic images of women (Chivers, Seto, & Blanchard, 2007).” Throughout a lifetime, women tend to be more elastic when considering sexual activity, whereas males...
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...in-depth interviews of women who are in a relationships. Langford argued that in the beginning of a relationship men are supportive and caring towards their partners but as the relationship progresses and gets older with the passage of time, men begin to distance themselves from their partners. The duty to protect mutual intimacy fell on women by default. As the relationship progressed it moved away from the aspects of love and caring more towards the fulfilment of physical needs of men. In such situations men resorted to an indomitable desire to objectify women as a tool to fulfil their sexual needs. Langford in her study argued that in the institution of marriage, gender inequality also exists through dominance of the normative heterosexuality. By gender inequality Langford means that a relationship is a combination of two individual people but in institution of marriage men dominate while women suffer. Langford (Jackson et al 2004) in her study brings Hegel’s ‘master/slave dialectic’ (P.230) where she compared the husband – wife relationship to that of master and slave. In Langford’s study she mentioned that in marriage men assume the position of masterwhile women are by default slave and hence women are compelled to do certain things to gratify the male partners desire; not because a woman is coerced to do so, but because the burden of maintaining stability in relationships rest on women by nature. Langford also argued that sometimes if the women disagree to have sex, it...
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...What Men and Women Want in a Mate Maria Morel Florida Atlantic University Introduction In recent decades researchers have generated considerable documentation on the evolutionary psychology of human mating strategies and romantic relationships. Much of this research stems from the features and genetic makeup of hominids, and their reproductive biology. Across mammalian species females are the key factor in reproduction, because they provide almost all of the physiological resources required for the production of offspring. There are many investments that females make when carrying an offspring. They invest themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. This makes females have much lower potential reproductive capacities than males. It started with the work of psychologist David Buss of the University of Texas. In 1985, Buss published an article based on interviews with more than 10,000 participants from 37 cultures. Subjects were given a list of 18 possible characteristics of a mate and asked to rate those characteristics. Almost unanimously both sexes put love, dependable character, emotional stability, and pleasing disposition first. It wasn't until the fifth...
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...“Examine the factors affecting power relationships and the division of labour between couples” (24 marks) A power relationship is defined as an imbalance of power between the two people within a relationship. Traditionally, this will mean that one partner will be dominant and manipulative towards the other. Michelle Barrett and Mary McIntosh support this idea that there is an imbalance of power between men and women in heterosexual relationships. They believe the men gain far more from domestic work than they give back in finance. Additionally, this sense of ‘power’ suggestively is rooted from the means of finances – men generally earn more and exert this power on decision making and resources in the household. For example, Barett and McIntosh argue that men usually make these decisions, concluding that financial input is a key factor within a power relationship. Furthermore, it is argued by Elaine Kempson that this imbalance is apparent among low-income families. She notes that within these families, women’s basic human rights are ignored or not seen as a priority, such as women having smaller portions of food or simply skipping meals altogether. Other needs that are set aside are their own female needs and seldom going out. This theory links closely to the fact that power relationships, from a financial perspective, are observed by two key factors; pooling and an allowance system. Evidence of a more symmetrical, balanced relationship financially is shown when the couple decide...
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...Disparity between Men and Women after a Breakup It can be distressing when serious relationships come to an end, especially if one or both parties have put in so much love and devotion into the relationship. The people after this incident encountered complicated challenges of disentanglement with their previous mate, they had negative feelings about the overall situation, and bound themselves the need to let go and move forward in life, distracted from their pain. According to the article Surviving A Relationship Break-Up,” Surviving a relationship breakup can be one of the most difficult things people ever do and on an emotional level can be one of the most painful processes in our lives. Losing a boyfriend/girlfriend or a husband/wife can feel like your heart is literally being torn out.” When faced with interpersonal mayhem, individuals tend to do things as a mean for coping with the loss of the previous relationship. But how does anyone deals with these heartbreaking situations? How does the coping mechanism of women differ with the men? In the article Gender, Love Schemas, and Reactions to Romantic Break-Ups, Patricia Choo and her colleagues indicates that “Men and women relied on somewhat different coping strategies for dealing with break-up. Although men and women were equally critical of their own roles in break-ups, women are more likely to blame their partners than were men.” Men and women tend to deal with breakups differently. Sporadically, women have a tendency...
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...Cultural Theory: What is it? Relational cultural theory derives from an area of psychology that focuses on individuals interacting with others through relationships. Relational cultural theory shows how relationships have power and can change individuals. Relational cultural theory was derived from the work of Jean Baker Miller. RCT challenges the traditional psychology conceptions of self, autonomy, independence, individuation and competition (Miller). “The central tenet of RCT is that people develop through and toward relationship, which occurs within and is influenced by a cultural context. Above all, RCT asserts that people need to be in connection in order to change, to open up, to shift, to transform, to heal, and to grow” (Jordan 3). It is disconnection that causes psychological problems. Core Values of RCT Some of the core relational cultural theory and assumptions of growth dealing with psychological and relational development include the idea that: * People grow through and toward relationship throughout the lifespan * Movement towards mutuality rather than movement towards separation characterizes mature functioning * Relationship differentiation and elaboration characterize growth * Mutual empathy and mutual empowerment are the core of growth-fostering relationships * In growth-fostering relationships, all people contribute and grow or benefit; development is not a one-way street * Mutual empathy is the vehicle for change in therapy * Real...
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...marriages. b. African American marriages tend to be more male dominated and Chicano marriages more female dominated than are white marriages. c. African American and Chicano marriages are more male dominated than are white marriages. d. There is no significant difference in power among African American, Chicano, and white marriages. I thought the answer was A?? The answer is D. A is what is thought it be true, but D is what was actually observed. Ah okay thanks! 2. According to Cancian, the "feminization of love" results from: (please answer): a. women's superior ability to love. b. men's inability to communicate or express their true feelings. c. a societal definition of love as expression and emotion, qualities associated with women. d. the feminist movement. Lecture Notes: Week 2 What is sociology? * Explains and analyzes important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and world. * Religion, love, Econ, business, poverty, war, peace, etc. * the ability to see and understand the connection between broad social forces and personal experiences - C. Wright Mills calls this the “sociological imagination” * explores “taken-for-granted” reality and myths to reveal the reality of our behavior * At personal level: analyzes social causes and results, racial & gender identity, family issues, religious faith, behavior * At societal level: crime/law, poverty, wealth, education, businesses, urban community, social movement ...
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...thinks may not be consistent with their behaviour. For example, many people think one night stands are dangerous or should not take place yet they themselves may have a one night stand. Men and women’s attitudes differ in terms of romantic relationships, as they expect different outcomes or benefits from their relationship. Cardwell (2012) found that...
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...Vol. 60, No. 3, 340-344 Relationships Between Sex Role Stereotypes and Requisite Management Characteristics Among Female Managers Virginia Ellen Schein Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New Yor/c, New Yor/c The relationship between sex role stereotypes and requisite management characteristics among female middle managers was examined. In a replication of a previous study with male middle managers, 167 female middle managers rated either women in general, men in general, or successful middle managers on 92 descriptive terms. As was found with the male sample, the results confirmed the hypothesis that successful middle managers are perceived to possess characteristics, attitudes, and temperaments more commonly ascribed to men in general than to women in general. This relationship between sex role stereotypes and perceived requisite management characteristics was strongest among female managers with limited managerial experience. Male middle managers have been shown to perceive successful middle managers as possessing characteristics, attitudes, and temperaments more commonly ascribed to men in general than to women in general (Schein, 1973). This association between sex role stereotypes and perceptions of requisite management characteristics would seem to account, in part, for the limited number of women in management positions. Such sex role stereotyping of the managerial job could result in the perception that women are less qualified than men for management positions...
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...2014 What Women Want: An Analysis of Female Attraction Mechanisms Among the many clichés that exist in our modern day culture, one that has not lost its relevance among Westerners is the saying that goes, “Women do not really know what they want in a romantic partner.” Although this is obviously not a statement of fact, for many people—especially those who consider women romantically attractive (specifically men), the question continues to be, “What do women really want in a partner?” or “What do women find attractive?” When it comes to answering either of these questions there is no one solution that fits all, as no two women are identically the same. However, there are some basic principles that can be drawn out to determine what attracts women to men. Although the task of discovering what sparks the interest of women in men is sometimes not easy, there are a few general guidelines that can backed up scientifically and culturally to identify the common attractions that women have for men. Such guidelines are perhaps dominant or recessive in different circumstances, but they do tend to be expressed throughout interpersonal relationships that women and men have. In analyzing the gender and biological differences that women and men have, there emerges a pattern which expresses some general guidelines for what women find attractive in men. One of the main factors that contribute to the attraction that women have for men is the cultural gender roles that men embody. Almost...
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