Gender Conformity, Perceptions of Shared Power, and Marital Quality in Same- and Different-Sex Marriages

Abstract

Research on gender inequality within different-sex marriages shows that women do more unpaid labor than men, and that the perception of inequality influences perceptions of marital quality. Yet research on same-sex couples suggests the importance of considering how gender is relational. Past studies show that same-sex partners share unpaid labor more equally and perceive greater equity than do different-sex partners, and that lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are less gender conforming than heterosexuals. However, studies have not considered how gender conformity might shape inequalities and marital quality within same- and different-sex unions. In this study, we analyze dyadic data from both spouses in same- and different-sex marriages to explore how sex of spouse and gender conformity influence perceptions of shared power within the relationship, which, in turn, influences marital quality. Results show that greater gender conformity is related to stronger perceptions of shared power in different-sex and male same-sex couples but not in female same-sex couples. Perceptions of shared power are positively associated with marital quality in all union types. Our findings suggest that maintaining hegemonic masculinity and power inequalities may be salient to marriages with men. In female same-sex couples, gender and its relation to power inequalities may carry less meaning.

Can Spouses Buffer the Impact of Discrimination on Depressive Symptoms? An Examination of Same-sex and Different-sex Marriages

“…Research by Hatzenbuehler (2009) suggests that this may occur because respondents with more discriminatory experiences respond with rumination and suppression, limiting their opportunity to receive support. Thus, differences in spousal support are more likely to be a reflection of how dominant notions of gender may impose pressures that shape marital dynamics (e.g., Pollitt, Robinson, and Umberson 2018). Overall, findings point to the importance of considering differences by both respondent and spouse gender.…”

The Gender‐as‐Relational Approach for Theorizing About Romantic Relationships of Sexual and Gender Minority Mid‐ to Later‐Life Adults

“…Daily‐diary methods involve the collection of data, typically via short daily questionnaires, over a period of days or weeks (Bolger & Laurenceau, ). This approach is ideal for examining relationship dynamics that unfold over short periods of time (e.g., the effect of daily stress levels on relationship conflict) and has been used to examine gender differences in relationship experiences and consequences (Pollitt, Robinson, & Umberson, ). Finally, longitudinal multiyear data sets are rare in studies of SGM‐member couples, but they have been paramount in studies of different‐sex cisgender‐member couples in order to understand how gender dynamics unfold over time within aging romantic relationships as well as the gendered consequences of relationship dissolution.…”

“…Yet research within a GAR approach allows us to examine relationship dynamics in multiple contexts, comparing couples with two men or two women and testing whether his and hers marriages might extend to these contexts. These studies show that there are gender differences when comparing relationships between two men and two women in the determinants of relationship quality (Cooper et al, ; Pollitt, Robinson, & Umberson, ). For example, Pollitt et al (), in their study of midlife couples, found that greater gender conformity is associated with more shared power and with greater marital quality in same‐sex men couples and different‐sex couples, but not in same‐sex women couples.…”

“…These studies show that there are gender differences when comparing relationships between two men and two women in the determinants of relationship quality (Cooper et al, ; Pollitt, Robinson, & Umberson, ). For example, Pollitt et al (), in their study of midlife couples, found that greater gender conformity is associated with more shared power and with greater marital quality in same‐sex men couples and different‐sex couples, but not in same‐sex women couples. Yet aside from Kurdek's () early work showing that same‐sex couples report similar relationship quality regardless of gender, few studies consider whether men in same‐sex couples have better or worse relationship quality compared to women in same‐sex couples, how relationship quality differs in comparison to different‐sex couples, or whether the impact of relationship quality on health is moderated by gender in same‐sex couples.…”

Associations of Household Structure and Presence of Children in the Household with Mental Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…For families with dual parents, childcare and household tasks may be more collaborative than before the pandemic, which may also improve wellbeing. Having a family is associated with an increased sense of purpose and responsibility for parents which has positive impacts on mental and physical health (Pollitt, Robinson, & Umberson, 2018). These effects may be enhanced during the pandemic as a result of increased time spent with children and the need to provide support and a sense of normalcy for children during a highly stressful time.…”