Romantic relationships between men and women may hold untapped power to help men better recognize sexism and gender discrimination, according to new research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science and highlighted by PsyPost. The study reveals that men are more likely to empathize with and understand the pervasiveness of sexism when their romantic partner shares her own experiences—an effect stronger than when these stories come from friends or strangers.
In the context of Thai society, where traditional gender norms and roles remain deeply influential, the findings present a novel approach to fostering greater awareness and action against gender inequality. For a nation striving to balance its rich cultural heritage with increasing calls for gender equity, understanding how personal relationships can drive social change has meaningful implications.
The study, led by a senior research associate at York University in Canada, set out to test whether intimate relationships serve as unique environments for men to become more attuned to the realities of sexism. While awareness campaigns and education on gender issues have made headway globally and in Thailand, men often show lower sensitivity to these topics (Bangkok Post). Previous research suggests that efforts to confront gender bias can sometimes backfire among men, prompting defensiveness rather than openness.
This new research makes a compelling case for using intimacy and empathy as levers for attitudinal change. The project unfolded across two studies, each involving hundreds of heterosexual men who had been in romantic relationships with women for at least one year. In the first experiment, participants read a scenario in which a woman learns she is paid 25% less than a similarly qualified male colleague—a common and relatable form of workplace discrimination in both Western and Asian contexts. The woman in the vignette was described alternately as the reader’s romantic partner, a close friend, or a stranger.
Men who imagined the woman as their partner demonstrated higher levels of perspective-taking, were much more likely to perceive the situation as sexist, and expressed greater general awareness of gender discrimination compared to those who read about a friend or stranger. Notably, these effects held steady regardless of how close the men felt to their partners or their pre-existing views on gender, suggesting that the relationship context itself powerfully shapes responses.
The second component tested real-life situations. Among over 500 men surveyed, nearly 80% reported their romantic partner had previously disclosed experiences of gender discrimination, such as being passed over for promotions, encountering unwanted sexual advances, or being subjected to sexist jokes. Men who reported greater perspective-taking when hearing these stories were more likely to recognize the incident as discrimination and connect it with broader trends of sexism—leading in turn to higher support for gender equality and increased advocacy, such as standing up to sexism in their own workplaces or social circles.
These findings have particular resonance in Thailand, where patriarchal attitudes and family hierarchies often dictate social roles and where open discussions of gender discrimination can still be sensitive. According to the National Statistical Office, while Thai women participate in the workforce in large numbers, gender pay gaps and workplace discrimination persist, especially in leadership roles and certain industries (ILO). Many Thai men may be less likely to recognize subtle or structural forms of sexism—unless these are brought to them through someone they care about.
A representative from the Center for Gender Studies at a leading Thai university, who researches local attitudes toward gender equity, notes: “The study’s results align with what we observe anecdotally in Thailand. When men hear directly from their wives or partners about workplace or social discrimination, they’re typically more receptive than when the same topic is addressed in abstract or through the media. Emotional closeness prompts empathy.” This insight echoes the perspectives shared by the lead researcher, who emphasized that “the act of taking their partner’s perspective—actively imagining how the situation felt—was key. These effects emerged regardless of how satisfied men were in the relationship or their existing views on gender equality.”
Thailand, like many nations, has launched public awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and pay discrimination, but significant challenges remain. Recent studies show that legal reforms and high-profile cases have encouraged greater social dialogue. However, reporting rates of harassment or discrimination at work remain low, in part due to fears of social shaming or job loss (UNDP Thailand), and discussions around gender equity can tend to focus on women or marginalized groups, often leaving men out of the conversation.
The new research addresses this gap, suggesting that men can become important allies in confronting sexism—but they need a personal connection. Perspective-taking fueled by romantic intimacy was found not only to increase recognition of discrimination in individual incidents, but also to reduce agreement with more subtle and everyday forms of sexism, such as denial that these issues persist.
However, the researchers caution against seeing perspective-taking as a universal solution. “Lasting progress requires systemic changes and collective efforts to challenge gender inequality,” they stress. While the study focuses on man–woman romantic relationships, the authors call for future exploration of whether similar dynamics occur in other close bonds, such as between siblings or parents and children. They also advocate for potential interventions—like high-quality listening training for men—to promote supportive responses when women share experiences of discrimination.
For many Thai couples, these findings may offer encouragement to openly discuss workplace and societal gender issues within the home. Relationship advisors at national counseling centers in Bangkok have begun emphasizing communication and empathy skills in couple’s counseling, while family studies experts note that constructive conversations about discrimination can help build mutual respect.
Importantly, the research affirms that simply being exposed to stories of injustice isn’t enough. The process of actively imagining what those moments feel like—what it means, for example, for a spouse to encounter bias at work—not only increases men’s recognition of the problem but also their willingness to advocate for broader change. As one local NGO worker specializing in workplace equality said: “Actions that start within the home—listening deeply to our loved ones—are the seeds of social change.”
This focus on empathy and relationship dynamics may open new pathways for public engagement campaigns in Thailand. Rather than viewing men solely as potential perpetrators of sexism to be corrected, initiatives might focus on how men can be partners and advocates for change within the fabric of their closest relationships. For policymakers, educators, and activists, this could entail supplementing institutional reforms with programs that encourage perspective-taking, dialogue, and allyship among couples and families.
Looking ahead, the research team at York University plans to examine how these dynamics play out over time and in other relational contexts, as well as what kinds of responses women find genuinely supportive when sharing such experiences. This focus aligns with a growing trend in Thai universities and civil society to involve men in gender justice initiatives—not only as bystanders or supporters, but as stakeholders with a direct connection to the issue.
Practical recommendations for Thai readers include fostering open, nonjudgmental conversations within couples about gender discrimination, seeking out educational resources on perspective-taking and empathic listening, and supporting advocacy efforts, both at home and in the workplace. Employers, educators, and families can all contribute to shifting the cultural narrative—moving from denial and defensiveness to understanding and allyship, rooted in the powerful bond of human relationships.
For further reading and source details, see PsyPost’s coverage and the official publication in Social Psychological and Personality Science.