The debate over this question is endless. We, as humans, need relationships with others. That’s a given. We all need a sense of belonging and intimacy that is found through relationships. And by intimacy, I don’t necessarily mean sexual. You can be fulfilled by sharing your inner thoughts and desires with a close friend or family member. Relationships need to be about caring and validating. This is how we learn and grow.
Traditionally, women needed men for financial security because the man was the “breadwinner”. But in today’s society, traditional roles, for the most part, have been discarded. Now women can source their own income. They aren’t dependent on a man to provide financially for them, which has played a major factor in how women see their place in society and in relationships. Women don’t “need” a man to take care of her. She’s more than capable of taking care of herself.
At the most basic level, women do need men for reproduction. Of course, with modern technology, if you don’t want the relationship, there are clinics to aid any woman in reproductive needs without the complexity of a relationship.
But do women on their own get lonely? Possibly, from time to time. Any of us can feel lonely if we don’t have personal connections with others. But finding that healthy relationship is proving to be more and more challenging. That’s why it’s important to have female friendships to support and foster a well-balance life for the single woman.
In the past, women have needed security and commitment from a man. With nearly a 50% divorce rate, more and more women are finding men coming up short in this department. Women are not willing to tolerate any type of male dominant behavior. Feeling secure and safe is wonderful, but feeling bullied, stifled or lied to is not. We don’t want to be treated like we’re incompetent or incapable. Women have become intolerant of not being treated as an equal in a relationship. We have no desire to work a full time job then come home to work a second full time job while our beloved sits on the couch. For many, the answer to do women need men… is no.
Traditional roles for both men and women have changed drastically. The notion that a woman should automatically feel fulfilled by spending her days doing housework, cooking and looking after children fails with the modern woman who may need more than that to feel satisfied and empowered. Old ideas have no place in a society where women play such an important role. A healthy relationship is about sharing responsibilities in the home, encouraging each other to find success and fulfillment in whatever they choose. Respect and validation needs to come from both the man and woman in any relationship.
Can we have a romantic relationship and independence? Absolutely, yes. There are many wonderful, enlightened men out in the world who value their female counterparts. Everyone, both male and female, is motivated by the need to belong and to be recognized and valued.
So, in conclusion, what we know is any healthy relationship needs a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual growth. Do women need men? Maybe…or maybe not.