Modern relationships always beg the question, who is more superior in the relationship. Traditionally, different sexes had specific roles in a relationship that determined the leader in a relationship (Besen 257). Men took more took more involving roles as being the bread winner and making important decisions in the family. Women settled for simpler and sex defined roles as cooking and taking care of the home and the children. This article explores the changes that have taken place over the years to change the power in dating.
The article offers a very informative trend in dating in both the young and the old. It shows the developments that have taken place over the years to establish power in dating. The article mostly targets the younger generation that has had a lot of exposure to gender equality and women empowerment (Besen 258). He tends to seek if these activities have made an impact on relationships in promoting equality that bares respect. Unfortunately, the author uncovers through research that although many couple collectively wish to have balance of power in their relationship, it is hardly reflected there. Other factors emerge and tip authority and thus most relationships have not acquired equality in dating (Peplau and Campbell 3).
The article takes a feminist point of view. The author knowingly or unknowingly implies that relationships hardly favor women. This is the only weakness of the article. The author makes such a strong case for women without while neglecting other aspects of research which would have made the study more comprehensive. A good example is whether the women enjoy being inferior in a relationship. Such would be the case since they don’t have to struggle with going to work and they tend to have more time to engage in activities like book clubs and other luxuries (Besen 260).
In my opinion, the article reflects the true nature of many relationships in the modern society. It reminds individuals to reach for balance of power and overcome the temptation to be the superior in the relationship (Peplau and Campbell 5). It also reflects a neglected aspect that its men may also be less powerful in relationships. With this research, couples are able to reflect on their relations and determine the parts that need rectification. Overall, the article is good since it is comprehensive and educational.it shows both sides in balance of power thus worthy to read and mediate on.
Peplau, Letitia Anne, and Campbell, Susan Miller. “The Balance of Power in Dating” in
Women: A Feminist Perspective. Mayfield Publishing Co. 1989.
