Why chivalry should die: the effects of benevolent sexism on hetero-romantic relationships

Abstract

Relationships aid in our physical and mental well-being, therefore it's important that one of the most intimate relationships we have should be satisfying and functional. I discovered that while benevolent sexism does have some benefits, overall its effects are overwhelmingly negative regarding the functionality and satisfaction of romantic relationships. It reinforces gender roles, through rewards and punishments of gender -typical or non-typical behavior, creates women to become less ambitious in careers, leads women to perform more poorly, excuses violent behavior from "benevolent" men, legitimizes unequal domestic labor, and produces lofty expectations which lead to lower relationship satisfaction. Although benefits have been shown, such as physical/economic protection, greater investment in family, and life satisfaction, these do not outweigh the negative impact benevolent sexism causes and its perpetuation of gender inequality.