Reversal Gender Gap and Social Comparison among Women in Romantic Relationship

LUTFI ZAKIYATUR R, Dr. Wenty Marina Minza, M.A.

2020 | Skripsi | S1 PSIKOLOGI

Social comparison and reversal gender gap create a concept which has potentially far-reaching consequences for dating markets and relationship outcomes on young couple. Using a qualitative phenomenology approach, this study took the data through a semi-structured interview with 4 women who earn more than their partners. Current study was intended to look closer to their experience of dating men in lower economic status and their coping mechanism to sustain the relationship. The data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Upward social comparison was involved in evaluating negative sides of relationship where women and social networks have gender role expectations toward men to be the breadwinner in the relationship. Another key finding is that downward social comparison was used as a coping mechanism where there has been a shift from rigid gender role division toward more flexible partnerships.

Social comparison and reversal gender gap create a concept which has potentially far-reaching consequences for dating markets and relationship outcomes on young couple. Using a qualitative phenomenology approach, this study took the data through a semi-structured interview with 4 women who earn more than their partners. Current study was intended to look closer to their experience of dating men in lower economic status and their coping mechanism to sustain the relationship. The data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Upward social comparison was involved in evaluating negative sides of relationship where women and social networks have gender role expectations toward men to be the breadwinner in the relationship. Another key finding is that downward social comparison was used as a coping mechanism where there has been a shift from rigid gender role division toward more flexible partnerships.

Kata Kunci : social comparison, gender gap, phenomenology, coping mechanism