Why Some Men Are Afraid To Marry Female Lawyers.

February 10, 20209

Many men have an uncharitable perception of female lawyers.

You probably have heard statements like;

‘Female lawyers usually make bad wives.’ Or, 

‘Men who want to get married to a lawyer are courting trouble.’ Or,

‘Female lawyers will use their knowledge of the law to make your life a living hell.’

Men with this line of thought are ready to cite countless examples of female lawyers who have put their husbands ‘in the bottle.’

But is there any truth to this perception, and what are the origins of these opinions? Are female lawyers paying a high personal relationship price for success in their careers?

The following are some of the reasons why some men think female lawyers make bad wives. 

Fear of Not Being Submissive.

In traditional societies, educated women are regarded as activists and seen as liberated. Conservative men, therefore, are afraid of female lawyers. To them, female lawyers cannot submit to their husbands and perform their domestic roles.

In a report by the BBC, women who got top jobs found it difficult finding a partner. Also, women who were making progress in their careers dramatically increased their chances of divorce

Many people have this notion that the law profession is all about fighting and wonder why a man should marry a woman whose job is to fight.

Other people have pointed out that some of the things that make lawyers, especially female lawyers, smart and brilliant, are also the same things that make them bad companions and wives.

According to them, lawyers are trained to scrutinize, doubt, question, argue, and cross-examine their opponents’ views, which are some of the things that put strains on relationships.

On the other hand, they identified factors like submission, respect, and cooperation as the things that strengthen relationships.

They are Smart.

During the early days of the law profession, many people considered the law to be very academically challenging, and beyond the comprehension of many women. 

Any woman who succeeded in becoming a lawyer was regarded as a man. That was how the tradition of referring to all lawyers as ‘gentlemen of the bar’ began. 

You are, therefore, right to regard female lawyers as smart. Unless a female lawyer finds the right man who is confident and not threatened by her achievements, she is likely to intimidate a lot of men.

That is why the law office is a popular place where many female lawyers have met their future lawyer husbands.

It’s Hard to Win an Argument With a Lawyer.

Couples are bound to have arguments in their relationships. Experts have noted that any relationship devoid of conflicts is not a healthy relationship.

Nothing gives some men the creeps than to think of marrying somebody who is trained in the art of argument.

Yes, there is no doubt that lawyers can argue. Some men, therefore, think it is useless to enter a relationship where you are bound to lose most of the arguments.

They are proud.

There is no doubt about it; there is an air about lawyers. The confidence with which they talk and go about their businesses intimidates many people.

There is a common perception that men have big egos and, therefore, cannot withstand proud women.

They are competitive.

Some men love competition, but certainly not in their homes. Men see themselves as kings at home, and most do not want to share their kingdom with anyone, not even their wives.

They May Not Have Time for The Family.

Lawyers are known to lead busy lives and work very long hours. Some men are, therefore, concerned that their lawyer wives may not find enough time for home duties and chores.

In traditional societies, generally, highly educated women have lower prospects of finding a partner. This is because the roles of men and women in a relationship are strictly defined. 

While men play the role of providers and breadwinners, women work as homemakers.

It is, therefore, not surprising when people question the possibility of a woman practicing law and also attend to the needs of the family at the same time.

As heads of their families, the norm is that men should marry less-educated women to maintain their status as the head.

Final thoughts.

Most of the reasons why accomplished women, especially female lawyers, find it challenging to attract the right male partners are due to long-entrenched cultural practices.

A growing body of evidence shows that many people are still stuck with the mentality that men are supposed to be the provider. 

There is also a stereotype that lawyers are generally smart and cunning. So when some men meet female lawyers, all their alarm bells immediately go off to warn them that they may likely lose their positions. That is a situation that most men dread.

But your lawyer wife can help you deal with several life issues. For example, when your landlord wants to evict you illegally from your premises.

Some people believe that men who fear or are afraid to get involved with female lawyers are those who have no respect for women.

In the final analysis, the negative perceptions about the suitability of female lawyers as wives may continue. Unless men begin to gradually break down these stereotypes and start seeing women as partners and not competitors.

9 comments

  • ADEBAYO KAREEM

    February 27, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    I totally disagreed with this submission in the sense that the writer generalized the issue, am not saying is not happening but is not peculiar with female lawyers alone, what would you say about female bankers
    I have some female lawyers in whose their husbands is not highly placed but they honour and respect their husbands. Some of them will get to their home before 5pm bco their husbands must meet food on the table. Pls, the issue on ground is not about their vocation or training they went through but most of them their background and faith have a role to play. But in all, we need God to guide us through both male and female for peace to in our homes and society in Jesus name. Shalom

    Reply

    • Nonyerem Ibiam

      February 27, 2020 at 7:39 pm

      Thanks for your comment. The writer merely pointed out reasons some men avoid female lawyers. Whether those reasons are genuine is another matter.

      Reply

  • IBRAHIM L. WABEKWA

    February 27, 2020 at 11:39 pm

    I agree with the writer that some people have that perception on female lawyers but the truth of the matter is that almost all occupation have suffered this stereotype and prejudice ranging from nurses, bankers, soldiers etc.
    Personally, what I believe is that bad people can be found anywhere and vis a vis. A good women is a good woman not because of the occupational training but her intrinsic worth.
    I wish people should get to conceive that always in their own judgement when it comes to taking decision.
    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Nonyerem Ibiam

      February 28, 2020 at 7:58 am

      Thanks for the comment. I cannot add or remove anything from your post. I totally agree. You said it all.

      Reply

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