Partner relationships
Although nowadays more women are working compared to previous generations, the nature of and dynamic in heterosexual relationships often remains traditional. The man puts his energy towards paid work, while the woman focuses on unpaid work. For example, in the Netherlands, many more women work part-time than men. Additionally, very few women earn more than their partners (12% of couples with young children). This is remarkable considering that, nowadays, more women are pursuing further education than men. Furthermore, most men and women indicate that they would ideally like to see an equal division between paid and unpaid work.
In our research on partner relationships, we strive to unravel why traditional divisions within relationships are so persistent. We investigate how societal stereotypes influence the choices of men and women at work and at home. This is done both in the immediate environment of couples and on a (inter)national level. Additionally, we examine how policies and norms within countries impact the relationship satisfaction of couples who deviate from traditional expectations. We also explore how couples' own stereotypical beliefs influence their experiences in their relationships.
We investigate the psychological mechanisms that influence couples' experiences. This is fundamental research, in which we systematically examine in the lab which factors play a role within couples. On a larger scale, we also examine how the environment influences the choices that men and women make within relationships. This combination of psychological and sociological research allows us to form a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence couples. It provides a better insight into the complex reality in which couples find themselves today. Moreover, our research gathers practical insights into what works and what doesn't in striving for a more equal division of paid and unpaid work within couples.