The Paradox of the Declining Female Happiness
In the 70s, women rated their overall life satisfaction higher than men. Following that, women’s happiness scores stayed relatively stable and by the 90s, women were less happy than men. Over the past 50 years, the world has witnessed a significant increase and advancement in women’s rights and financial power, and family dynamics have changed. As they gain more social, political, and economic freedoms, we’d expect women to feel even more content relative to men, but that’s not the case.
Even though women are outliving men, female happiness has been on the decline.
Women’s roles in the home did not evolve with the changes in the workplace. Working women often handle most of the house chores and childcare duties and this dual burden hinders their sleep, fun, and general living. The increasing pressure on women to meet responsibilities both at work and at home has greatly undermined their sense of well-being.
Today we have an exhausted mom and a dad who feels useless around the house. What should be done?
The antidote for negative family settings and family dynamics
The paradox of the declining female happiness is very complex but not impossible to navigate, here’s what you can do:
- Communication – whether you have kids or not, it is important to communicate your expectations, likes, and dislikes with your partner. Only by openly sharing your thoughts and feelings will true satisfaction be achieved. Communication will also help you to evaluate the expectations that society and families have inscribed in your minds together.
- Tailoring your relationship on your terms and creating your traditions – So you want your husband to get you flowers? Or you feel appreciated when your wife fixes you breakfast? These examples seem traditional, but there’s no shame in that, as long as you are both in agreement. Do what feels right for you. And don’t forget to explore why that feels right to you.
- Prioritizing and intentionality – Intentionally create time for your children and spouse as often as you can. Quality time and wonderful memories are part of healthy parenting. Go on dates and create time for your spouse as well, it will better your relationship.
- A collaborative effort in raising the kids – both parents should feel important and involved in the parenting process, and responsibilities should be shared. Work together to determine if there’s a balance in your current approach. If not, think of ways that you can bring in more of a balance.