Why Submissive Women are happier?

In recent years, the discussion surrounding the role of women in relationships has grown increasingly complex. Numerous studies have sought to address the issue, and many of them have increasingly indicated that the traditional stance of ‘submissive women being happy’ may still have some merit. In a wide range of social contexts, there is evidence to suggest that, while refraining from looking at findings as homogeneous, there may be an element of truth as far as the notion that submissive women are happy.

In America, the debate has largely focused on the effect gender roles have on female happiness in heterosexual relationships. Through research conducted by a number of different sources, it has been shown that a majority of women who subscribe to a traditional gender role arrangement in which their primary role is to please their spouse, conform to his decisions and respect him without question, derive an increased sense of fulfillment from their relationships (Helyer, Joiner, & Mane, 2018). This supports a wider hypothesis which implies that female happiness is often contingent on the exercise of submissiveness in a relationship, being willing and able to allow their partner to lead and dictate how the relationship should be conducted.

The idea of a submissive woman being happier has been relatively well-documented in non-Western contexts as well. In cultures that naturally tend towards a patriarchal power dynamic and deem submissiveness to be a desirable quality in women, research has frequently indicated that there remains a significant correlation between the acceptance of this role in a relationship and increased levels of female contentment (Namaste, 2004). This can be linked to the fact that many women in such contexts may be socialized to view the traditional idea of a submissive woman as promotionally desirable.

This assertion is even shared to a certain extent by some religious texts. The bible, for example, in its book of Colossians, shares the sentiment that wives should be ‘submissive’ and obedient to their husbands in the Lord (Rakestraw & Groom, 2011). While not using the term ‘happiness’ directly, the end result of this action is typically seen as a stronger, longer-lasting relationship. In other words, the kind of relationship that leads to both parties being ultimately happy and content.

In summary, the concept of submissive women being happier is one which has been extensively explored in both academic and cultural arenas. While it is important to note that findings should not be considered as homogenous, research has increasingly suggested that there may be a correlation between submissiveness and increased levels of female happiness in a variety of social contexts.

References

Helyer, R., Joiner, R., & Mane, P. (2018). Are Traditional Gender Roles in Heterosexual Couples Compatible With Female Well-Being?. Gender Issues. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-018-9187-6