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... Stereotypes prevail as traditional gender divides Stereotypes prevail as traditional gender divides


28 August 2008

Men and women expect different things from their partners in a relationship, it has been revealed.


Research conducted by Yorkshire Building Society has found that the role of men and women in a relationship is still very much defined on traditional gender lines - with men seen as the breadwinners and women expected to stay at home and perform domestic chores.

The building society questioned 1,527 people to find which attributes they most valued in their partners - and the results do little to dispel stereotypes.

The most valuable attribute women can have, according to their partners, is the ability to take care of the home, while cooking and cleaning come in at numbers two and three respectively.

For their part, women want their men to be able to listen to what they say, provide financial stability and be a great parent.

Men's willingness to allow their partners to stay at home rather than work is indicated by the fact that nine per cent said they would be able to cope financially if their wife or girlfriend didn't work, compared to 15 per cent of women.

However, the research also shows that only 29 per cent of people in a relationship have discussed what would happen if their partner was unable to work - despite the obvious impact that this would have.

According to Tanya Jackson, corporate affairs manager at Yorkshire Building Society, couples need to take a more proactive approach to financial affairs.

"There are some things that money cannot replace such as being a great mum or dad and being a good listener," she commented.

"However, this research also demonstrates how much people rely on their partners for certain tasks.

People need to have measures in place in case a partner would be unable to perform these everyday jobs."

Other attributes which men like to see in women include getting on with the inlaws, gardening and being reliable when pick