Josephine Grahl critiques Rachel Connolly's analysis of heteropessimism, emphasizing that straight men often depend on their female partners and struggle post-breakup. She references studies showing a rise in single households, reflecting changing relationship norms under economic pressure. Grahl challenges the stereotype of emotionally demanding women and highlights the labor inequality faced by married women, particularly concerning household and childcare responsibilities. She draws a parallel to Marge Piercy's 'Body of Glass' to illustrate alternative relationships, where a robot meets emotional expectations traditionally associated with human male partners.
As married and partnered women continue to bear a greater burden of housework and childcare in the home, perhaps it's time to forget the stereotype of the emotionally over-demanding woman and instead look at the actual labour burden placed on wives and, particularly, mothers.
Straight men are more likely to be dependent on their female partners and cope worse after separation or divorce, contradicting the belief that women have unrealistic expectations of men.
Office for National Statistics figures from 2023 show a continuing increase in single households of all ages, which highlights a shift in societal norms and the impact of economic pressures.
Marge Piercy's Body of Glass explores alternative relationships in a future society, where a robot exhibits emotional intelligence and capability, challenging conventional expectations of masculinity.
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