You've come a long way, baby, and then you fell into the trap:
Living with a person may still be considered to be an alternative lifestyle, but as a new study shows, most couples who live together outside the bounds of matrimony are about as conventional as married couples when it comes to their relationship, pursuing careers and household chores.
...most still comply with traditional patterns throughout their relationships, including the initiation of the first date, moving in together and discussing marriage.What else is the same old story?
[Sociologist Sharon] Sassler also found that most couples are not egalitarian in pursuing careers or doing housework.
"Our results indicate that the institution of gender is so pervasive and entrenched that it shapes even the behaviors of individuals in such alternative living arrangements as cohabitation," said Sassler.Tsk, tsk, anti-gay marriage legislation that has swept across the nation also eliminated protections for domestic partnerships. So what's left for especially women is all the drudgery of marriage without any of the legal benefits. There must be exceptions and for those women who have a more balanced relationship, count your blessings. Yes, there are enlightened men and I suspect they hail mostly from Generation Y. Unfortunately, they seem to be in the minority. But doesn't the "institution of gender" sound frighteningly rigid and oppressive? Whew, pinch me! I thought we had entered the 21st century. I may not enjoy legal benefits but my "marriage" offers far more egalitarian advantages. Thank you, God, for making me lesbian!
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