The Cinderella Complex
How women become addicted to dependence, stay in abusive relationships, and give up their careers.
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The desire by a woman to be cared for and protected by a man is known as the Cinderella Complex.
Scholars describe the Cinderella Complex as a patriarchal weapon designed to produce and nurture dependence in women.
The weapon is deployed in a fairy tale in which the character Cinderella is presented as a role model for girls.
“If Cinderella bears no grudges for the wrongs committed against her,” write researchers, “she will be rewarded by a man coming to save her and she will have a happy, respectful, and beautiful life.
This, say researchers, is the psychological conflict that paves the way for a society where women are not equal to men.
But a new study of 356 participants has found that women who feel there is meaning and purpose in their lives are less likely to manifest the Cinderella Complex.
“To avoid developing a Cinderella Complex, we recommend women adopt a wider perspective on life,” write the study authors in the International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies.
This includes strategies like continually upgrading skills, becoming more independent in thoughts and actions, and creating a personal space in order to find more meaning in life.
The full article can be downloaded here.
Citation: Özçalık, H. B., Ataş, A. N., & Yilmaz, S. D. (2024). THE CINDERELLA COMPLEX, ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, AND THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE IN WOMEN: A WEB-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 15(4), 26-40. https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs154202422217
D.L. Lee is the author of SISTERLY LOVE, a novel about two sisters who grow apart.