An exploratory study on the process of social negotiation by women in heterosexual marriages: a comparison of younger and older married women in Singapore

Abstract

Gender studies in marriage equality has come a long way in aiding our understanding of how couples interact and negotiate power in a marriage. More women are participating in the workforce, taking over jobs that were previously dominated by males and dual income households has been on the rise. By comparing between younger and older married women, this paper seeks to examine the underlying gender dynamics in the negotiation process of women in marriage. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews, respondents were asked on their views towards gender roles in marriage, reasons behind how they allocate housework and how decisions are made in the family. The findings revealed that younger respondents are shifting towards egalitarian relationships where they negotiate for equal power in marriage, while older respondents continue to remain in traditionally gendered relationship where men hold higher power.