Emotional labor is a crucial aspect of any romantic relationship that involves managing one's own emotions and those of others to maintain harmony. When done properly, it can strengthen bonds and promote mutual understanding and support.
When individuals perceive unfair treatment in their relationship, it may lead to dissatisfaction, conflict, and even breakups. This paper will explore how perceptions of fairness in emotional labor influence relationship satisfaction and longevity through examining literature on the subject.
The concept of emotional labor was coined by sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild in the late 1980s. It refers to the work an individual does to manage their feelings and behavior in service of social norms or expectations. In a romantic relationship, this might include suppressing one's true emotions or acting out of character to please a partner.
A woman who feels frustrated with her husband but smiles and agrees with him anyway for the sake of keeping peace.
Researchers have found that when people believe they are doing too much emotional labor compared to their partner, they tend to experience more stress, anxiety, and burnout (Baumeister & Bushman, 2015).
Those who feel unappreciated for their efforts may be less likely to engage in future acts of emotional labor and may withdraw from the relationship entirely (Ross, 2017). The inverse is also true - if someone believes their partner is not pulling their weight emotionally, it can cause resentment and distance (Taylor et al., 2018).
Studies suggest that gender plays a role in these perceptions as well. Women are often expected to perform more emotional labor than men due to traditional gender roles (Gilligan, 1982; Cohen & Pauker, 2006). This disparity can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction for women, which may contribute to their lower life satisfaction overall (Cowan & Cowan, 20000).
Research has shown that even among couples where both partners perceive themselves as contributing equally, women still tend to do more emotional work (Duffy & Segrin, 2013).
In sum, unfair perceptions of emotional labor can lead to decreased relationship satisfaction and longevity. To ensure fairness and maintain harmony, partners should communicate openly about expectations and needs. They should also make sure each person feels appreciated for their contributions and work together to balance the emotional load. By doing so, they can build a stronger and healthier relationship.
How does the perception of fairness in emotional labor influence relationship satisfaction and longevity?
The concept of emotional labor is associated with the belief that employees must suppress their true feelings and display an emotion that matches what is expected by the organization (Hochschild & Trigg, 1983). When people believe they have been treated unfairly in terms of how much emotional work they are required to perform on the job, they may feel dissatisfied with their relationships at work as well as at home.