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Gend. Issues (2010) 27:6777
DOI 10.1007/s12147-010-9090-z
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Shirley M. Ogletree
Published online: 5 August 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010
Abstract Gender differences in and related correlates of attitudes toward engagement rings and weddings are considered. College students (193 women, 112 men) completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes toward engagement rings and weddings, eros and pragma love styles, and an assessment of traditional versus egalitarian gender roles. Although predicted gender differences and hypothesized love style links were not found, gender stereotypical attitudes regarding male/ female roles was positively correlated with pragma, a rational, love-planning love style; with wanting a traditional wedding; and with preferring diamonds in engagement rings. Gender transcendence was signicantly correlated with an eros love style as well as with four of ten engagement ring and wedding attitude factors. Rather than indicating less interest in romantic relationships per se, a gender transcendent approach to male/female roles may be associated with egalitarian attitudes towards commitment indicators and with less of a desire for expensive engagement rings or weddings.
Keywords Engagement rings Weddings Gender roles Love styles
Introduction
For many individuals, participating in a committed relationship is an important part of a rewarding adult lifestyle. The commitment between two people is often signied by externally visible indicators such as engagement rings and weddings.
S. M. Ogletree
Texas State University, San Marcos, San Marcos, TX, USA
S. M. Ogletree (&)
Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, San Marcos, TX, USA e-mail: [email protected]
With this Ring, I Thee Wed: Relating Gender Roles and Love Styles to Attitudes towards Engagement Rings and Weddings
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According to data from the US Census Bureau [26], 66% of males and 72% of females 15 years of age and older are or have been married. The majority of the adults in the US experience the commitment of marriage at some point in their lives. The economic impact of the ceremonies associated with these commitments has also been considered. Based on a survey of over 21,000 couples in the US, The Knot, Inc. concluded that the average amount spent on a wedding in 2009 was $28,385, including the $5,847 cost of an engagement ring [24].
Although many people may take engagement rings and weddings for granted...