Gender, Submission & Power: Unpacking Dominance in Modern Relationships

The question of whether men should be inherently dominant and women inherently submissive is as old as human civilization itself. Gender, submission, power, cultural norms, religious doctrines, and traditional family structures have historically reinforced a very clear assumption of what marriage should be. Modern psychology, sociology, and personal experiences suggest that dominance and submission exist on a spectrum rather than being strictly gendered roles. This distinction is vital in understanding how power dynamics function within relationships and broader societal structures.

From an evolutionary perspective, many argue that dominance in men and submission in women stem from biological imperatives. Evolutionary biologists often reference sexual selection, where women have historically sought dominant partners for protection and resource allocation. Studies from the field of evolutionary psychology, such as those presented in David Buss's The Evolution of Desire, support this claim, demonstrating how ancestral mating strategies influence modern relationship preferences. However, others argue that societal conditioning plays a larger role than biology, emphasizing the impact of upbringing, cultural influences, and personal experiences in shaping one's dominant or submissive tendencies.

Historically, the idea that men should be dominant and women should be submissive can be traced back to early human civilizations, religious texts, and economic structures. In early societies, men were often hunters and warriors, roles that required physical dominance, while women took on nurturing roles such as child-rearing and homemaking. These divisions were largely practical at the time but eventually became deeply ingrained as gender norms.

Religions also played a significant role in reinforcing these expectations. Many religious texts, such as those in Christianity, Islam, and Confucianism, emphasize male leadership and female submission. For example, traditional Christian doctrine often cites Ephesians 5:22: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord." Such teachings have historically been used to justify patriarchal structures, making it difficult for women to assert dominance without facing social backlash.

Economic structures further reinforced gender roles. For centuries, men controlled financial resources, education, and politics, which meant that women who wanted independence had few opportunities. The Industrial Revolution started shifting these roles, as women entered the workforce and gained financial independence, challenging the notion that submission was their "natural" state.

Although societal norms are evolving, there are still real-world consequences for individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles.…