You Don't Just Not Get Married: The Normalization of Gender Role Expectations

Abstract

Kelly stepped out of her car with hesitation. Her friends would want to know what had happened on her date with Mitch last night, and she was not sure she wanted to share the details. She knew this was supposed to be the happiest moment in her life, but it did not quite feel that way. She had certainly been surprised when Mitch proposed over their dessert, but she had been even more surprised when she realized that she was not sure she wanted to accept the proposal. They had been dating for 3 years, and marriage seemed like the next logical step. Still, she wondered why she did not feel like it was a step she was excited to take. She took a deep breath and headed into the coffee shop.

As soon as she reached the table, Maria asked, “So, what happened last night? I tried to call you after class, but you didn’t answer. Don’t tell me he broke up with you.”

“No, he didn’t break up with me,” Kelly responded. “He asked me to marry him.”