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This research delves into the empathic inequity reported by women in cross-sex friendships, exploring how perceptions and relational exclusivity impact the support dynamic. It investigates gender-based "empathic inequity" and challenges the notions of support communication differences between men and women. The study aims to uncover the motivations behind support provision in platonic friendships and delves into individual and relational goals in different contexts.
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Inequity in Empathic Support Between Cross-Sex Friends Perception or Reality?
Abstract The purpose of this research is to explore the empathic inequity reported by women in their close, cross-sex relationships. How do the perceptions of cross-sex friendships and relational exclusivity influence the under benefitted/over benefitted dichotomy expressed between the sexes when communicating support?
What is gender based “empathic inequity?” Among married couples, it is known as “the support gap.” A situation in which husbands report receiving more support and helpful support from their wives than wives report receiving from their husbands.
Perception or reality? Research indicates that there are no gender differences in seeking or providing support. That’s the reality. However, some researchers and lay persons cling to the heuristic that men and women do support communication differently because men and women are different. That’s the perception.
Where might the perception come from? • Expecting (and being willing to provide) different communication in specific relational contexts • Pursuing different individual and relationship goals related to those specific relational contexts
Let’s define some terms • Specific relationship contexts means how you think about friendship (strictly platonic, potential for romance, “friends with benefits”) • Different communication refers the communicationbehaviors used to maintaina friendship (emotional support and positivity and instrumental support)
Pursuing Relationship Goals • For women—enjoying “nice guy” companionship • For men—exploring the potential for sexual/romantic involvement
Balance Individual Goals Emotional bond challenge—high social investment with no/low sexual involvement Sexual challenge—high/moderate sexual involvement with no/low emotional investment
Research Design Social exchange approach—cost/benefit analysis of relationship vs. individual goals What motivates men not to offer empathic support in a strictly platonic cross-sex friendship? What motivates women to continue providing empathic support in a strictly platonic cross-sex friendship?