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Beyond social structures: An evolutionary network perspective on gendered romantic dependency.

Zahra Ayeh Solouki1, Thorbjørn Knudsen1

  • 1Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Frankfurt/Main, Germany ayeh.soluki@gmail.com T.Knudsen@fs.de.

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Summary

Male romantic dependency arises from limited emotional interactions, influenced by evolutionary factors and media norms. This leads to men centralizing intimacy while women distribute it, creating emotional imbalances.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Sociology
  • Media studies

Background:

  • Male romantic dependency is often viewed negatively.
  • Previous research has not fully explored the structural and societal influences on male emotional expression in relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying causes of male romantic dependency.
  • To analyze the interplay of evolutionary network dynamics and media-driven gender norms on emotional intimacy.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical integration of population viscosity, reciprocal altruism, and media analysis.
  • Building upon the framework established by Wahring et al.

Main Results:

  • Male emotional intimacy tends to be centralized.
  • Female emotional intimacy is characteristically distributed.
  • These patterns contribute to sustained emotional asymmetries in romantic relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Male romantic dependency is a strategic adaptation to constrained emotional environments.
  • Evolutionary and socio-cultural factors, including media, shape distinct patterns of intimacy for men and women.