Gender roles Quote by Jerome K. Jerome
““The only feeling that a closer intimacy has created in him for his wife is that of indulgent contempt. As there is no equality between man and woman, so there can be no respect. She is a different being. He must either look up to her as superior to himself, or down upon her as inferior. When a man does the former he is more or less in love, and love to John Ingerfield is an unknown emotion. Her beauty, her charm, her social tact--even while he makes use of them for his own purposes, he despises as the weapons of a weak nature.””
About This Quote
When a man feels inferior or superior to his wife, love is distorted into contempt, revealing a failure of mutual respect.
In simple terms: Contempt replaces love when respect is missing.
Key Takeaway
Respect is essential for genuine intimacy.
Themes
relationships
gender dynamics
self‑esteem
respect
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical reflection
When to use this quote
- marital counseling
- co‑parenting discussions
- team leadership
Key Concepts
power imbalance
emotional authenticity
Practical Applications
- practice equal partnership
- cultivate empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does mutual respect shape emotional intimacy?
- Can love thrive without hierarchical roles?
A Different Perspective
The view assumes a strict binary and may ignore nuanced, egalitarian relationships.
![“They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.” quote by Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c0/jerome-k-jerome-1155_about-yourself_they-dogs-never-talk-about-themselves-bu_76454.jpg)
![“Rio : – What the hell is the point of worrying about it? I don’t see Geer or Pang or Stick moping. Jen : – No, […]. They’re all busy being men. […] We’re not men, Rio. We don’t have to be men.” quote by Michael Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a4a/michael-grant-1391_being-a-woman_rio-what-the-hell-is-the-point-of-worryi_205159.jpg)
