Economist Corinne Low Ditches Dating Men, Finds Happiness
Wharton professor Corinne Low has made a significant life change, deciding to stop dating men after her research and personal experiences led her to conclude that heterosexual partnerships often involve an unequal distribution of domestic labor. Her decision, detailed in her forthcoming book "Having It All," stems from a deep dive into economic data and her own past marital struggles.
The Data Doesn’t Lie: Unequal Partnerships
Low’s research, particularly her paper "Winning the Bread and Baking It Too," analyzed American time-use surveys. The findings were stark: even when men earn less than their wives or are unemployed, their contribution to household chores remains remarkably low. This imbalance persisted even after divorce, with men’s housework time increasing and women’s decreasing, suggesting a choice rather than an inability to contribute.
- Women shoulder a disproportionate amount of household tasks, regardless of income.
- Men’s participation in domestic labor is significantly lower, even when financially dependent.
- Divorce often leads to a more equitable distribution of chores, indicating men’s capacity to contribute.
A Personal Turning Point
Low’s own first marriage, to a man, ended in divorce after she found herself overwhelmed by domestic responsibilities. The turning point came after the birth of their son, when she was pumping breast milk in an Amtrak bathroom during her commute, feeling the strain of balancing work and family while her husband contributed minimally to household tasks. This experience, coupled with her research, led her to re-evaluate her approach to relationships.
Embracing a New Path
Low’s decision to stop dating men is not rooted in physical aversion but in social and political dissatisfaction. She describes her shift towards women as an "evidence-based decision," finding greater ease and a more equitable partnership with her wife, Sondra Woodruff. Their relationship is characterized by shared responsibilities and a mutual prioritization of their home life.
Low’s work is seen as a contribution to the concept of "heteropessimism," a term describing the growing disappointment among straight women with the available dating pool. While acknowledging that not all women can or want to stop dating men, Low advocates for women to set boundaries, renegotiate expectations, and reclaim their time within relationships.
Looking Ahead
Low remains cautiously optimistic that societal changes will eventually lead men to become more equitable partners. She believes that as women’s roles continue to evolve, men will also need to adapt for the sake of their own happiness and the sustainability of relationships. Her book aims to equip women with data to make informed decisions about their partnerships.
