The Influence of Gender Role Distribution within the Family on Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between gender role distribution within the family and relationship satisfaction among young adults in Shkodër, Albania. It examines whether egalitarian attitudes toward family roles are associated with greater relationship satisfaction and explores potential gender differences in these attitudes and satisfaction levels.

Methods

A quantitative research design was used with a sample of 100 young adults (50 women and 50 men, mean age = 22.05 years). Data were collected using the Gender-Equitable Men Scale (GEMS) and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and independent-samples t-tests.

Results

The findings revealed a statistically significant positive association between egalitarian gender role attitudes and relationship satisfaction, while traditional gender role attitudes showed no significant relationship with satisfaction. No significant differences were found between men and women in either egalitarian attitudes or overall relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions

The study suggests that shared responsibility and egalitarian attitudes within romantic relationships contribute to higher relationship satisfaction among young adults. These findings highlight the importance of fairness and equality in relationships while providing evidence from the Albanian context, although broader studies are needed to confirm the results.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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