In one of our previous blogs, we examined a possible reason for the increase of older woman younger man relationships: improved gender equality. Another possible cause is the Social Exchange Theory, which when applied provides an equally exciting insight into the development of women’s role in society. The Social Exchange Theory of relationships is a psychological perspective that considers relationships in terms of the costs and benefits to each party (I know this sounds a little dry and dull but bear with us). This would suggest that all people have a ‘value’ and everyone looks for the ‘best value’ they can in their choice of lover. In a sense, this means people are like shoes, whether you’re a Louboutin or £5 a pair from Primark is decided by how much you are perceived to have valuable traits such as intelligence, beauty, wealth, social status etc. The expected result is that people of a similar ‘value’ pair up and ‘exchange’ their assets for their partners
Thanks to the healthier way in which people live their lives now, women are aging more beautifully, looking younger and staying in shape with a good diet and exercise. Older women are also more educated, more independent with a greater personal income and hold a higher position in society as a result. The way this applies to our community is that it means single women in their 40s and 50s can be considered as having the highest ‘value’ they have ever had, making them much more attractive to men their own age and younger men. This represents a real turnaround from the 1950s when women were uneducated, had almost no income and looked more aged due to poorer health.
Women are now looking to date more in their 40s and 50s and they have much better choice. But the implications of this theory, if it were accepted, can also be quite negative for the niche. Potential pitfalls such as women not wishing to share their ‘values’, i.e. financially supporting their partner, could be likely to stop these relationships lasting long term. Her increased ‘status level’ may be difficult for him too. This means a couple are no longer the ‘best value’ for each other. Clearly this is not always the case, as many Toyboy Warehouse members go on to have very long and happy relationships together.
What is your opinion? Are relationships a matter of matching and balancing ‘values’? Let us know in the comments below.
This blog was written by Team Toyboy Warehouse and published as part of the 30 Blogs in 30 Days campaign.
