Masculinity and Power in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study explores the connection between masculinity and power for men and women in romantic relationships. 54 men and 68 women from Yeshiva University filled out surveys with masculinity and power measures taken from Bem’s Sex Role Inventory, the Male role Attitudes Scale, the Adolescent Masculinity Ideology in Relationships Scale, the Perceived Masculinity Questionnaire and Outcome Power, Global Power, Decision-making power, Group Power, Status Discrepancy, a Measure of Relative Emotional Investment, and the Relationship Power Scale for Females. Results showed that men emphasizing romance had more partner compliance, made fewer decisions and had less narcissism and time determination. Male Image Obsessed men had greater say in Time Determination and Narcissism whereas Physically Masculine men portrayed less Narcissism. Women expressing greater Male Image Obsession had less Partner Compliance from their significant other; women expressing stronger Alpha Male beliefs in men expressed more Narcissism. Women with greater Desire tended to be Captains of the Relation-Ship and those who expressed a need to be like a Tough Guy expressed more Time Determination. Women who expressed less respect for men backing away from challenges tended to be Deciders in their relationships.