Working Women Are Desired Brides Says Recent Study; But Does This Guarantee Equality?

The findings of a recent study by a matchmaking website revealed a lot of interesting information about the preferences of both prospective brides and grooms. The study used a sample size of 2.5 million users who used the website Shaadi.Com from December 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, with 1.6 million men and 0.9 million women. Thus, the study’s findings are deemed recent and relevant to the current scenario.

Out of all the findings of the survey, one particular revelation has stood out. Working women are highly preferred, whereas only 31% of non-working women want to work. It also revealed that working women, especially those with higher incomes, were the most desired potential brides. The study indicated that the nation is moving in the right direction for gender equality in marriage but are we really?

Working Women Are Desired Brides

On one hand, this revelation looks hopeful for retaining more women in the workforce. Yet, on the other hand, this also raises the question of why more men are preferring to marry working women. It is one thing to prefer to marry working women with high incomes, but the reason for the preference will determine whether or not this is a step towards gender equality.

If the intention is really to encourage women to pursue their careers, why should the salary count? Why is there a higher preference for working women with higher incomes? Supporting a woman’s career is different because it’s more about her dream, her passion, and her success. The emphasis on higher income is quite bothersome.

Another question this study raises is: if society has broken stereotypes and backed up the financial independence of women, why does the National Family Health Survey reveal that only 32% of married women in India are employed? That is because women, whether or not they pursue a career, are dumped with all the domestic chores and parenting responsibilities. Working women are expected to start household chores the minute they return from work.

A new survey published in Science Direct’s journal "Travel Behaviour and Society" revealed that 52% of female respondents spent more than five hours on domestic chores. The most common reason married women leave the workforce is burnout from working both at office and at home. Gender equality isn’t established by desiring to marry a working woman. Women need to be able to continue pursuing their careers without any hindrances, just like men do, regardless of their marital status. Marriage, on the other hand, brings about a complete change in a woman's life in India. So, pursuing a career will be difficult for women unless men take on equal responsibilities in household chores and parenting.

Moreover, are all working women truly financially independent? Financial independence doesn’t mean having a job. For a woman, financial independence means having her own bank account and making her own decisions about how to spend her salary. Partners contributing equally to the household is important to lead a comfortable life in today's world. Unfortunately, even today, many working women are expected to transfer their salaries to their husbands' accounts. They have no say in any financial decisions and sometimes even have to ask their husband for daily expenses.

While some men do really look for a partner who is ambitious and self-sufficient because they can connect better with such women, the majority of Indian men are threatened by independent women. Most men take it as a hit to their egos if their wife earns more than them. Only 17% of men want women with an annual income of Rs. 30 lakhs or more, according to the study. So, women should earn enough to support their families but should not earn more than their husbands. What is the guarantee that she will pursue her career after marriage and will be truly financially independent? If none of this is certain, what does it matter if more men want to marry working women?

Suggested Reading: Working Women Are More Desirable As Spouses: Matrimonial Site’s Study