Redefining gender roles in romantic relationships and dating. Is it happening? Dating app Bumble has a new campaign in India to address the issue of ‘Romance Gap’ or the discrepancy in behaviour expected from men/masculine presenting people and women/feminine presenting people when dating and in relationships.
Research has found that while 82 per cent of Indian adults state that equality is important between people who are dating or in a relationship, an overwhelming majority (82 per cent) say that when it comes to romantic relationships, there are different expectations and expected behaviours based on gender identity. Often, behaviours that are labeled romantic for men are negatively labeled for women.
The research identified several key themes, with the overriding finding being that there is still a long way to go in redefining gender roles in romantic relationships and dating.
• Men are still expected to take the lead: Thirty-nine per cent of people surveyed state that men are expected to take the lead in dating and relationships, while only21 per cent think women should do so. For men, more than one in four (28 per cent) have felt pressured to take the lead.
• Men are expected to say ‘I love you’ first: More than one in three (37 per cent) people surveyed state that men should be the first to say those magic words and express their love first, while only 21 per cent think women should profess their love first.
• Women should not appear desperate: More than one in four (28 per cent) people surveyed state it’s important that women are expected to avoid appearing too keen, clingy, attached or desperate.
While these expectations exist, there is a desire for change. Fifty-three per cent people feel strongly that in an ideal world it is important to maintain respect and equality in long term relationships and around two in five (41 per cent) women state that it is important to address equality early in dating and relationships.
