Ever wondered why women who are unmarried and without any kids are the happiest people in the lot?
Well, according to a Behavioral Scientist at the London School of Economics, marriage, and children benefit men more than women and certainly don’t ensure happiness for a woman, he said while speaking at the Hay Festival on one Saturday in 2019. This raises important questions about women’s choices about motherhood and how societal expectations shape their decisions. Many women feel pressured to conform to traditional roles, often sacrificing their own aspirations and well-being. It’s crucial to foster an environment where women can make empowered choices that reflect their own desires and circumstances. This discussion ties into seminal research on women’s depression, which highlights the mental health consequences of societal pressures. Increased awareness of these issues can empower women to prioritize their mental health over conforming to outdated norms. By acknowledging the complexities of women’s experiences, we can better support their individuality and well-being.
The expert further noted that unmarried and childless women are more likely to live a life longer than their married and child-bearing counterparts.
“We do have some good longitudinal data following the same people over time, but I am going to do a massive disservice to that science and just say: if you’re a man, you should probably get married; if you’re a woman, don’t bother,” he said.
However, he also added that that single factor doesn’t correlate to the overall happiness in a person’s life as happiness is definitely not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ deal.
He added that men gain more from a marriage than their female counterparts because they ‘calmed down.’ Understanding psychological factors in infidelity research can shed light on the motivations behind these behaviors. Such insights are crucial in developing effective interventions that promote healthier relationships. Moreover, recognizing the differing impacts of infidelity on men and women can guide tailored support strategies.
“You take less risks, you earn more money at work, and you live a little longer. She, on the other hand, has to put up with that, and dies sooner than if she never married. The healthiest and happiest population subgroup are women who never married or had children.” This highlights the significance of happiness in single living choices. Many women find fulfillment and freedom in pursuing their passions and careers without the constraints of traditional family life. Ultimately, embracing independence often leads to a more satisfying and vibrant existence. The ability to navigate challenges on their own showcases women’s uncanny problemsolving skills, allowing them to thrive in various aspects of life. This resilience often leads to greater innovation and creativity, especially in professional environments where collaboration and adaptability are essential. Moreover, as they continue to break boundaries, women inspire others to embrace their own journeys of independence and personal achievement.
Paul Dolan’s latest book, ‘Happy Ever After’ is one of his best-selling books in which he cites findings from the American Time Use Survey.
The book mainly discusses the level of happiness in single, married, divorced, separated, and widower individuals depending on their situations.
Expert Paul said if a couple is married and you ask them in front of other couples, relatives, or friends about the level of content and happiness in their relationship, they will certainly brag about how happy and satisfied they are.
However, he said, when their spouse leaves the room or is not present, and you ask them if they are happy in their marital life, their answer will be quite, if not exactly the opposite.
“Married people are happier than other population subgroups, but only when their spouse is in the room when they are asked how happy they are. When the spouse is not present: f—ing miserable.”
He continued, “We do have some good longitudinal data following the same people over time, but I am going to do a massive disservice to that academic science and just say: if you are a man, you should probably get married; if you are a woman, don’t bother.”
