A study by the University of Granada (UGR) reveals that the acceptance of false love myths can lead to the development of gender-based violence behaviors . This is a problem that especially affects the adolescent and young sector, precisely because of their vulnerability.
The research has thus evaluated the internalization of the false myths of romantic love in young people with an age range between 18 and 35 years. Through a survey of 153 volunteers (within these ages), it is estimated that around 70% of them believe that “love can do everything”, “there is only one better half for me” and “love is blind ”. These responses clearly reflect that these romantic myths are deeply ingrained in youth culture .
José Miguel García Ramírez, as professor of the Department of Social Psychology of the UGR and director of the project, warns that ” the main problem is that these myths are consolidated among women and at the same time are strengthened in men .”
Surveys among project volunteers have also revealed that only 13.7% of participants believe that you can be happy without having a relationship , compared to almost 87% who believe that you cannot be happy without a partner .
Movie loves with macho roles
From a very young age, we are sold the idea of the defenseless woman, incapable of facing challenges without male help. Acceptance of the myth of Prince Charming relegates women to a secondary plane in which the man has the duty to protect her, and with it, unconsciously subdue her .
These popular beliefs only increase machismo in a very subtle way, because when instilled at an early age, internalization is practically immediate.
The myths of love and passion give women characteristics such as patience, sweetness, understanding and the role of caregiver in the family. For his part, the man is always assigned the duty to protect and support the family, as well as aggressiveness, bravery and worth at work .
According to this study by the UGR, the false myths of romantic love promote machismo and can even generate cases of gender violence. The research shows how these myths are accepted among the young population, precisely those in which cases of gender violence are increasing.
Get involved!
Fighting against gender violence is everyone’s business and making visible the condemnation of this social scourge as well, therefore, we encourage you to participate another year in our 6th Race against gender violence.
