Updated: December 18, 2015
Originally Published: May 1, 2015
Wait, what? A recent study titled The Shriver Report Snapshot: A Glimpse into the Modern Man surveyed 818 heterosexual American men over 18 years old about their top desired traits in their daughters and wives. (Is this really a necessary study in the 21st century?)
Key Findings
Let’s dive into the findings: Intelligence was the most sought-after characteristic for both wives and daughters—so that’s a positive. However, the results take a downturn when we look at independence. While 66% of men want their daughters to be independent, only 34% feel the same about their wives.
Strength seems to be another area where daughters outshine wives, with 48% of men valuing strength in their daughters compared to just 28% for wives. It’s unclear if this strength refers to physical ability or emotional resilience, but either way, it raises some intriguing questions. They probably should have included “great at locating lost items” on the desirability list, as that would likely have boosted the wives’ ratings dramatically.
Wives’ Strengths
So, where do wives excel? In the realms of attractiveness, sweetness, and nurturing, of course. After all, what’s a wife without being both charming and devoted? The situation worsens with 30% of participants believing that women assuming more responsibility outside the home negatively impacts the confidence of American men.
In essence, men wish for their daughters to be intelligent, independent, and strong—qualities that foster success in the workplace. Ironically, the existence of such women seems to be a concern unless they also embody traditional traits of beauty and nurturing. According to Harper Kingsley from The Daily Insight, “The last few decades have seen tremendous shifts in women’s roles, and many men are still finding their footing.” It appears that as women grow more capable, some men feel uncertain about their own roles.
A Call to Evolve
Here’s a thought, gentlemen: It might be time to evolve.
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Conclusion
In summary, the study reveals a complex interplay between traditional expectations and modern aspirations for both daughters and wives. While men value strength and independence in their daughters, they tend to prioritize attractiveness and nurturing qualities in their wives. The conversation around gender roles continues to evolve, indicating that there’s still work to do toward achieving a balanced perspective.