Final answer:
Traditional gender roles can be associated with both more and less marital satisfaction, depending on individual desires and societal expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research on traditional gender roles and marital satisfaction suggests that the association between the two is complex. Traditional gender roles, which typically assign women to domestic and caregiving responsibilities and men to breadwinning roles, can lead to greater marital satisfaction if both partners conform to these roles and find fulfillment in them. However, when there is a mismatch between gender role expectations and individuals' desires and abilities, it can lead to lower marital satisfaction.
For example, if a woman wants to pursue a career outside the home but is expected to prioritize her role as a wife and mother, she may feel unfulfilled and experience strain in the relationship. On the other hand, if both partners are comfortable with traditional gender roles and find satisfaction in fulfilling those roles, it can contribute to a sense of stability and harmony in their marriage.
In conclusion, the impact of traditional gender roles on marital satisfaction depends on the compatibility between individual desires, abilities, and societal expectations, as well as the level of fulfillment and satisfaction derived from conforming to these roles.