Sexual preferences and attractions can have a significant impact on how individuals perceive fairness in their romantic or platonic relationships.
People who are attracted to members of the opposite gender may view themselves as having a stronger claim to power and control within a relationship than those who identify as gay or bisexual. This bias is due to societal expectations that cisgender heterosexuals are more likely to be in committed monogamous partnerships compared to those who identify as LGBTQ+. Consequently, heterosexual couples may feel they should be given more attention, respect, and support from each other, which can lead to unequal power dynamics within the relationship. In contrast, queer couples often face discrimination and marginalization, making them less likely to enjoy similar privileges granted to straight couples. As a result, this creates an imbalance in perceptions of fairness between hetero and non-heterosexual individuals when it comes to relational roles.
Sexuality can also influence how people judge one another's contributions to a relationship.
If two individuals come from different socioeconomic backgrounds, there may be an inherent belief that the person with greater financial means has more responsibility for supporting the couple's shared expenses, such as rent or groceries.
If both parties share similar economic statuses, then neither feels obligated to shoulder the burden alone.
Power dynamics based on physical strength may affect how much work each partner contributes around the house; however, this depends heavily on individual personality traits rather than sexual orientation. Lastly, differences in communication styles can also play into one's perception of fairness. A person who expresses themselves through words might view their partner's silence as unfair treatment while someone who communicates primarily through actions could interpret their partner's lack of verbal response as equally valid.
Sexual preferences and attractions significantly impact perceptions of fairness regarding relationships due to cultural biases towards cisgendered heterosexuals. Nevertheless, these assumptions are not always accurate, leading to misunderstandings and conflict within partnerships between LGBTQ+ and heteronormative individuals. Therefore, it is crucial for all members of society to recognize their own biases and work towards creating healthy relationships regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
How do sexual preferences and attractions influence perceptions of fairness in relational roles?
Perceived fairness refers to one's subjective evaluation of how justly and equitably an individual is treated by others within their relationship, which can impact relationship satisfaction and stability (Blair et al. , 2017). According to Blair et al. (2017), people who perceive themselves as being fairly treated are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships and less likely to engage in negative behaviors like cheating or breaking up.