You have probably heard the old adage, “men are from Mars, women are from Venus.” Although individuals of both sexes have much greater freedom to deviate from gender norms than they had in previous decades, gender still plays a role in how many individuals move through the events of their lives, particularly those related to relationships. One example is that despite the progress the feminist movement has made to empower women as individuals, fewer than one third of women who married in 2015 chose to keep their maiden names.
Generally, men and women handle divorce differently. Part of this stems from gender norms and expectations and part of it stems from the practical realities that individuals often face because of their gender.
Divorce Can be More Difficult for Men than Women
In many cases, divorce is more difficult for men than it is for women. One reason behind this is the expectation that men keep their emotions to themselves and solve their problems alone, rather than asking for help.
It is also not uncommon for a man to incorporate his role as the family’s provider into his identity. When a marriage ends and a man finds himself suddenly without that role, he can feel like he has lost a piece of himself and become depressed.
Typically, Men and Women have Different Concerns
Although many women work outside the home and in some cases, are the breadwinners for their households, it is still more common for a mother to leave the workforce to care for her home and children than it is for a father to take on this role. For women in this position, divorce can mean economic instability. Men in this type of relationship are often concerned about protecting their assets and ensuring that they continue to have consistent relationships with their children following the divorce.
Your Gender does Not Define you
Remember, these are only generalizations. Do not assume that you need to conform to a certain type of behavior or set of concerns because of your gender – we are all unique individuals facing unique situations. It is never a bad idea to speak with a psychological counselor during or after your divorce to sort through your feelings. Even if you feel that you are coping with the divorce just fine, a counseling session can help you develop your perspective about the divorce and prepare you for the next chapter of your life.
Work with an Experienced Winter Park Divorce Lawyer
If you are considering filing for divorce, speak with an experienced divorce lawyer to determine what you, specifically, can expect from the divorce process. Your gender is simply one of many factors that can impact how you navigate the divorce process and other factors, such as your income and assets, your relationship with your spouse, and your goals for the divorce, play much larger roles in determining what you can expect from it. Contact Sperling Ducker in Winter Park today to schedule your initial legal consultation with our firm.
Resources:
yourtango.com/2013196606/why-divorce-more-stressful-men-than-women
nytimes.com/2015/06/28/upshot/maiden-names-on-the-rise-again.html