“According to the General Social Survey, which has tracked Americans’ mood since 1972, and five other major studies around the world, women are getting gloomier and men are getting happier.” This flows on from the theme of choice outlined in Brian Schwartz presentation the ‘Paradox of Choice’
In an article in the NY Times, ‘Blue Is the New Black’ it seems that while women start their lives more fulfilled than men, as we age and achieve more women become less happy, whilst men get happier as they get older. Woman are taking on more in all aspects of their lives and men are playing a greater role in helping care for the family and doing the housework, so the argument of women carrying all the domestic responsibilities has dwindled. With this change, we are also seeing men relieved of some of the financial pressure that they once carried as the breadwinner. As one of the interviewers clearly articulates “Choice is inherently stressful,” and “And women are being driven to distraction.”
This is an interesting article for both men and women, demonstrating the dramatic shifts in society when it comes to the world of work and the positive and negative impacts it is having, particularly on women.
The secret to happiness according to Schwartz is having low expectations!
What are your thoughts?
