The hierarchical structure of society has always been an integral part of human existence. It dictates how people interact and relate with each other in various social settings. One of these settings is the relationship between two individuals who share an intimate bond, such as lovers or partners.
Studies have shown that this hierarchy can significantly affect their emotional authenticity when it comes to communicating with one another. This article will explore why this happens and what steps couples can take to overcome it.
1 What is Emotional Authenticity?
Let's define emotional authenticity. Emotional authenticity refers to being true to oneself when expressing emotions to others. It means being honest about how you feel without fear of judgement or rejection. When two people are in a relationship, they must be able to communicate freely and openly with each other, sharing their thoughts and feelings. They should also allow themselves to be vulnerable and show their true selves without hiding anything. Otherwise, there would be no trust between them.
2 How Hierarchy Impacts Emotional Authenticity
Let's examine how the hierarchical structure impacts emotional authenticity. In a relationship where one person holds more power than the other, they may feel pressured to act in a certain way or say things they don't genuinely feel.
If one partner is older than the other or makes more money, they might hold greater authority over decision-making. As a result, the less dominant partner may hesitate before voicing disagreements or saying "no" to requests. They might not want to upset the balance of power in the relationship by challenging the dominant partner.
This imbalance of power can lead to manipulation tactics such as gaslighting or guilt-tripping. The dominant partner may use these methods to silence the other's voice and make them conform to their wishes. This behaviour can erode trust and intimacy, leading to feelings of resentment and betrayal.
It can even cause the lesser partner to doubt their worthiness or self-esteem.
When a hierarchy exists, one partner might try to control the other through emotions.
They could pressure the other into doing something they don't want to do using guilt trips like "you should do this because I need you" or "I can't live without you." It creates a sense of obligation that destroys true intimacy.
3 Ways To Overcome Hierarchical Pressure
So what can couples do to overcome hierarchical pressure? Firstly, they must acknowledge its existence and work on reducing it. Secondly, they must establish equal ground rules for communication and decision-making. Thirdly, they should practice active listening and validation techniques. By actively listening to each other, partners learn to understand each other better, empathise with their feelings, and build stronger bonds.
Exposure to hierarchical pressure can significantly impact emotional authenticity in relationships.
With effort and awareness, couples can overcome this issue and build healthier connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
How does exposure to hierarchical pressure impact emotional authenticity in relationships?
Exposure to hierarchical pressure can have various effects on the emotional authenticity of individuals in their interpersonal relationships. Firstly, it can lead to feelings of inferiority and powerlessness, which may result in self-censorship and a fear of expressing one's true thoughts and feelings. This can lead to an avoidance of vulnerability and intimacy, making it challenging for individuals to form genuine connections with others.