Final answer:
Marital satisfaction varies between traditional and non-traditional couples, with the former potentially adhering to conventional gender roles and the latter sharing duties more equally. Single women above 35 report independence and satisfaction without a partner, reflecting wider societal changes. Legalization of same-sex marriage has positively impacted mental health, suggesting increased societal acceptance of diverse family models.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research on marital satisfaction has explored the dynamics between traditional couples and non-traditional or androgynous couples. Traditional couples, often adhering to conventional gender roles, have had varied responses in studies. In some cases, satisfaction relates to a sense of partnership and mutual respect. Alternatively, non-traditional couples, who might share roles more equally, may report different levels of marital satisfaction. For instance, men in traditional roles may express contentment with childcare division, while in non-traditional arrangements, satisfaction might be even between partners.
Studies have suggested that single women, particularly those over thirty-five, find success and satisfaction in education and careers, feeling more independent and prepared to lead lives without a marital partner. This is a shift from earlier decades where women faced greater scrutiny over single status. Moreover, cohabitation rates have risen, and fewer couples are marrying, reflecting a change in U.S. family structures.
It's also important to consider the impact of the legalization of same-sex marriage, which has been associated with positive mental health outcomes, signaling a shift in societal acceptance and legal recognition of diverse family models. These factors combined contribute to the complexity of understanding marital satisfaction within different couple dynamics.