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Are men more dependent or more powerful than women?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2026

Sandra L. Murray Open the ORCID record for Sandra L. Murray [Opens in a new window]  and
Gabriela S. Pascuzzi
Sandra L. Murray*
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA smurray@buffalo.edu gspascuz@buffalo.edu
Gabriela S. Pascuzzi
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA smurray@buffalo.edu gspascuz@buffalo.edu
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Dependence varies with the balance of power between romantic partners, such that the partner who invests less holds greater power than the partner who invests more. Women’s tendency to invest more emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally in romantic relationships puts men in a position of greater power. Men’s over-benefited or advantaged status makes them less dependent on romantic partners, not more.

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Open Peer Commentary
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Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e116
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© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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