Women are doing better than ever in school, and sometimes their male significant others can’t stand to see them succeed.
According to an August study by the American Psychology Association, a man’s “self-esteem is lower when he sees his female partner succeed than when he sees her fail”.
Thomas DiPrete, a sociology professor at Columbia University, says that a man might be upset about their lady partner’s success because of upheaval of traditional gender roles and possible bruised egos:
If they’re brought up to think that it’s the man’s job to be the primary breadwinner — but they’re dating or marrying women who are as successful or more successful than themselves — at least for some men, I think that creates problems in terms of a disconnect with a masculine identity they have.
Experts advise that communication is key when it comes to this — and all — relationship issues, but how far do young women need to go placate a partner who secretly seethes inside when she shines? That’s pretty fucking wack. Perhaps these dudes would be best benefitted by a mirror with which to check themselves.
[APA, USA Today]
