Investigating the Relationship between Marital Satisfaction, Marital Adjustment, and Cultural Perspective of Feminism in Married Women

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran (Corresponding Author).

2 Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

Abstract
Most people believe that marriage is the most individualized event that one experiences in their lifetime, holding special importance as it seems to fulfill the needs of two individuals. As a marital and family union, marriage provides an opportunity for social support. On the other hand, marital satisfaction and compatibility are crucial for the continuation of couples’ lives and play a significant role in individuals’ overall life satisfaction. Additionally, having a feminist perspective can influence attitudes towards shared life and marriage. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between marital satisfaction, compatibility, and feminist perspectives among married women in Hamedan. The research method was descriptive, focusing on correlation. The study population consisted of married women living in Hamedan, from various ethnic backgrounds including Kurdish, Persian, Turkish, and Lur, in the year 2013. A sample of 100 women was selected using convenience sampling. The instruments used included the Marital Compatibility Scale, the Feminist Perspective Scale, and the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between marital compatibility and satisfaction. Additionally, results showed a negative and significant association between marital satisfaction and compatibility with feminist perspectives. This suggests that attention to these constructs can play a vital role in the lives of married couples.
Keywords: Marital Satisfaction, Marital Compatibility, Feminist Cultural Perspective.

1. Introduction
Marriage is a profound and multifaceted institution that holds a central place in the lives of many individuals (Johnson, 1991). Marital satisfaction and compatibility are key components that contribute to the success and endurance of a marriage (Downward et al, 2022). Marital satisfaction refers to the contentment and fulfillment that spouses derive from their relationship, encompassing emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. Compatibility, on the other hand, involves the ability of spouses to adapt to each other’s needs, preferences, and life circumstances, ensuring a harmonious and supportive partnership (Leggett et al, 2018). In the context of Iran, the exploration of marital satisfaction and compatibility takes on added significance due to the unique cultural, social, and economic factors at play (Wadsworth, 2016). The role of feminist beliefs in shaping these aspects of married life is a topic that has not been extensively researched, despite its potential impact on the well-being of couples (Harris et al., 2023).
Feminist beliefs, which advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women, can influence marital dynamics in various ways (Umberson et al., 2015). However, the relationship between feminist beliefs and marital satisfaction and compatibility is complex and multifaceted. While feminist ideals can empower women and lead to more equitable relationships, they can also introduce challenges and tensions (Lyness & Lyness, 2007). This study aims to delve into these complexities by examining the correlations between marital satisfaction, marital compatibility, and feminist beliefs among married women in Iran. The research is essential for addressing the gap in understanding how these factors interact and for providing insights that could contribute to the improvement of marital relationships in Iran (Harris et al., 2023; DeLongis & Zwicker, 2017; Sánchez et al., 2017). 

2. Materials and Methods
The current research employed a descriptive correlational method. The study population consisted of married women residing in Hamadan, Iran, from various ethnic backgrounds including Kurdish, Persian, Turkish, and Luri in the year 2013. 

2-1. The Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS)
The Marital Satisfaction Scale was initially introduced by Fowers and Olson in 1993. It was designed to assess issues related to marital relationships, encompassing 12 subscales: Fowers and Olson calculated its reliability through Cronbach’s alpha, obtaining a value of 0.92. 

2-2. The Marital Adjustment Test (MAT)
This test was developed by Locke and Wallace in 1959 and consists of 15 multiple-choice items on a Likert scale. This instrument has also been validated in Iran. Its reliability, using the split-half method, was reported as 0.90. It has the ability to distinguish between adjusted and non-adjusted spouses in marital relationships (Mazaheri, 2000).

2-3. The Feminist Perspective Scale (FPS)
The Feminist Perspective Scale was created by Henley and colleagues in 1998. It consists of 60 items on a five-point Likert scale. This scale has also been validated in Iran with a reported reliability of 0.74 using the split-half method.
After explaining the objectives of the study to the participants, emphasizing the importance of their participation in the current research, and assuring them of the confidentiality of their information, both private and non-private, by providing a consent form, three questionnaires were given to them in a single booklet. 

3. Data
Delving into the core objectives of the study, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to examine the relationships between marital adjustment, marital satisfaction, and feminist perspective. The findings highlight a robust positive correlation between marital adjustment and satisfaction (p< 0.001). Further analysis, uncovers a significant negative correlation between marital adjustment and feminist perspective (p< 0.001). Lastly, findings presents a significant negative correlation between marital satisfaction and feminist perspective (p< 0.001).
These results contribute to the understanding of marital relationships in the context of Iran and highlight the nuanced impact of feminist beliefs on marital well-being. 

4. Discussion
The current study explores the relationship between marital adjustment, marital satisfaction, and feminist perspective among married women. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between marital satisfaction and adjustment, supporting previous research by Amato and (Amato, 2014; Wanic & Kulik, 2011). This suggests that couples who are satisfied with their marriage are also more likely to effectively adjust to marital challenges. The Resource Adaptation Theory, as proposed by Jenkins and et al (2020), provides a framework for understanding how the equitable distribution of resources, including emotional support and work-family balance, contributes to marital satisfaction and adjustment. 
In contrast, the study reveals a significant negative correlation between marital adjustment and feminist perspective, consistent with findings by Twenge et al. (2015) but contradicting those of Poll (2020). This suggests that feminist perspectives, which often challenge traditional gender roles, may introduce tensions and adjustments within marital relationships. The negotiation of roles, power dynamics, and communication styles can be complex and may impact marital satisfaction and adjustment (Greil et al., 2019).

5. Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the nuanced interplay between marital satisfaction, adjustment, and feminist perspectives. While marital satisfaction and adjustment are closely linked, the introduction of feminist perspectives, which advocate for gender equality and challenge traditional roles, can complicate marital dynamics. This is not to say that feminist perspectives are inherently negative for marital relationships; rather, they introduce a layer of complexity that requires negotiation and adaptation from both partners.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Two Quarterly Journal of Contemporary Sociological Research
Volume 13, Issue 24
September 2024
Pages 9-36

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