Liberal women

[nospam99]

Are women more liberal than men? If so, why?

 

I find myself asking this question (over and over again) because in my 'adventures' on OLD many women describe themselves as liberal and/or write that Trump supporters need not apply. FWIW I don't let politics stand in MY way when selecting a dating partner and I don't start or sustain arguments about it. (I have been summarily rejected by two strongly liberal women in the 'first meeting stage' because I didn't agree that Trump = Hitler.)

 

I tend to be conservative in my politics, but not in a 'knee-jerk'/always agree with anyone in particular way. The way I see it is like the ant and the grasshopper fable. At the most basic level I believe that every person should be responsible for their own life and deal with the consequences of ANY poor decision they've ever made. I think that is one of the, if not the main, basis for 'conservative' politics. Liberals seem to me to lean to the belief that, regardless of the 'corner a person has painted themselves into', other people should always give them a hand up - and be forced to give them a hand up by the government. In my life, I've been screwed by government and by business. The difference is that the screwings by government have been worse AND, while I have the option of not dealing with a particular business, I'm stuck with the government. Example (one of MANY): Obamacare. My premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance have risen much faster than they did prior to Obamacare. Meanwhile my access to providers and the quality of the care I receive have plummeted. I think my greater costs are being used in most cases to pay for other people who haven't taken care of their health (eat, sleep, exercise, avoid substance abuse) and CHOSEN to spend THEIR MONEY on things other than health care. Just an example easy to bring to mind. The 'old question' is whether government is the solution or the problem.

 

But this, or any other political 'argument', goes back to the ant and the grasshopper. So are all those women on OLD who describe themselves as liberal typical of their gender? If so, why? Is it as simple as women having evolved to be 'nurturers' and set boundaries of the people they have compassion for far beyond, say, their children, families, and friends?

[Wallysbears]

When it comes to dating, just don’t date women that say they are liberal if you are conservative.

[Kitty Tantrum]

What's "OLD?" Is that a dating site/app?

 

I'm conservative enough to keep my mouth shut about it most of the time, and I'd never use one of those things. EVER.

 

Consider where you're getting your sample of women.

[nospam99]

What's ''OLD?'' Is that a dating site/app?

 

I'm conservative enough to keep my mouth shut about it most of the time, and I'd never use one of those things. EVER.

 

Consider where you're getting your sample of women.

 

OLD = OnLine Dating, a generic label for more or less all the sites and apps. I pretty much keep my mouth shut anyway. I have conservative values and principles, but don't agree with MANY of the specific positions that 'conservative politicians' take and disagree with even more of their actions. I wish you sufficient continuing success finding yourself in supportive relationships so that you never find a desire to 'use one of those things. EVER'. Touche on the sample of women. That may be a factor. But it would raise the question 'why do so many of the women who say they are looking for relationships also say they are liberal?'

[lana-banana]

The answer to your question is yes. Women are overall more inclined to the left than men (you can see from the recent election results). This has more to do with one political party that suggests women don't deserve bodily autonomy, equal pay, or supportive workplaces, and isn't interested in advancing women's health and safety around the world. Women tend to be more to the left than white men for the same reason a lot of minority groups are leftist: one side of the political spectrum isn't interested in listening to their voices and helping their causes.

Edited December 21, 2018 by lana-banana

[gaius]

Depends where you live. I know when I was up in Massachusetts and browsed OLD there was always this breed of portly, homely women who were into all things liberal and not very tolerant of opposing viewpoints. They were usually the majority on there.

 

Down here in Florida I've almost never seen that type while out and about, except when I was down in Tampa during election season. I'm guessing it would be harder to find women who hate Trump with a passion here. However I did find a stunningly attractive Trump hater and married her. She's not die hard liberal, more independent/moderate and we got together before he was elected though.

[amaysngrace]

Obamacare costs are driven by the cost of care. I think that’s what liberals recognize while conservatives blame the person who developed cancer instead.

 

I’m not sure if it’s gender-specific though. Prioritizing profit over people just seems like an immoral way of thinking to any true leftist and you’re not going to fit well with someone who has a different value system than yourself.

 

I just used Obamacare as an example because you mentioned it in your OP but the differences in philosophies on a number of issues are far more reaching than that.

 

It’s hard to mesh with someone who you can’t see eye to eye with. Dating is hard enough without having to put in the additional effort.

[loversquarrel]

I find most women, and men for that matter, tend to be closer to the middle of the road and only slightly leaning either left or right. Maybe your beliefs aren't in line with a particular OLD site? Surely there are other more conservative leaning OLD sites you could try?

[grays]

I think women probably are, on average, left of men, but I doubt your OLD experience gives you any information with which to compare. You’re only looking at women’s profiles, right? Where are you getting your data on men?

[Artdeco]

I consider myself a liberal woman, but wouldn’t mention politics on an OLD profile if I had to create one. If I were interested in a man, I’d meet him first and would decide, after the “date”, whether or not we are too far apart on the political spectrum.

 

I’m in a relationship, though, so OLD is not happening - my partner is way more conservative leaning (however, not a fan of the current administration), but it makes for an interesting relationship and some productive discussions. I love it! He’s not an extremist, though, who’d take people’s healthcare (ACA), or poor people’s food stamps, or who necessarily approves of a wall being built, etc. But he does own guns and hunts (yikes). I still love him, and accept his views (trying to change those occasionally, and have been successful with that in the past, hehe), and he respects and tries to understand mine. It’s all good. But we are both tolerant people, and that helps. In general I have experienced that women, if they have a political opinion, defend their arguments much stronger than men. The men I’ve met are much more relaxed about politics. There are those men, though, that have tried to shut me down if they’re out of good arguments. That’s a “man-thing” that I’ve not experienced with women, and would be a major turnoff during any date, because I consider it weak.

[Tamfana]

These days in America saying you’re conservative usually means you support Trump and Trumpism. Many pre-Trump conservatives and never-Trump conservatives don’t call themselves conservative any more for that reason. Many women would date a man whose principles are moderate or conservative but reject men who support Trumpism.

[thefooloftheyear]

Yes....Liberal politics/ideals are more attractive to women than men...There are a variety of reasons for this, but I doubt moderation wants this to be too political...There are other areas on the site to discuss those matters...

 

But I will say this from my own personal observation...The middle aged, heavily liberal, owners of a pile of animals, types are perpetually single for good reason...Unless the are stunning in appearance(most aren't), then they are just a total boner killer for ANY guy...

 

In other words, there is no surprise they are using OLD...No chance they will meet anyone in real life..

 

 

TFY

[carhill]

Sure, women's lib happened a long time ago

[Artdeco]

Yes....Liberal politics/ideals are more attractive to women than men...There are a variety of reasons for this, but I doubt moderation wants this to be too political...There are other areas on the site to discuss those matters...

 

But I will say this from my own personal observation...The middle aged, heavily liberal, owners of a pile of animals, types are perpetually single for good reason...Unless the are stunning in appearance(most aren't), then they are just a total boner killer for ANY guy...

 

In other words, there is no surprise they are using OLD...No chance they will meet anyone in real life..

 

 

TFY

 

I would say, “wow, that’s so cliché” - but didn’t know this stereotype even existed. Liberal middle aged women = not stunning enough for a relationship, hence perpetually single ...... fake news, buddy!

[thefooloftheyear]

I would say, “wow, that’s so cliché” - but didn’t know this stereotype even existed. Liberal middle aged women = not stunning enough for a relationship, hence perpetually single ...... fake news, buddy!

 

 

It exists....I could go on, but there is no point, really....I know more successful middle aged, good looking and desirable men than most people...None of them would touch one with thousand foot pole..

 

There's good reason for what the OP is saying.....

 

I'll go one step further...

 

Most of these women are just perpetually angry...Add that to the list of undesirable traits....And good luck finding a schmuck to take that on...

 

TFY

[What_Did_I_Do]

Maybe some women express their liberal (or conservative) views more openly in certain areas of the US?

 

I was filling up my rental car at a gas station in Orlando this past January. Was minding my own business, enjoying the sun and a fellow, probably early 60's, was filling his car next to me. We struck up a conversation about the good weather etc. and the next thing he starts on this verbal celebration regarding Trump and his achievements, how he's the best thing to ever happen in America. On and on. I interrupted him after a bit and said, I'm Canadian and offer no opinion regarding US politics. We have our own problems at home. Got in my rental and left.

 

People will be passionate about their interest, whether it be politics, religion, vegetarianism, their salt and pepper shaker collection. Best to weed those ladies out early if you sense there will be conflict later on.

[central]

But it would raise the question 'why do so many of the women who say they are looking for relationships also say they are liberal?'

 

It's probably your location. Here in the south, it's hard to find a liberal woman, sadly. I had much better success dating when I lived in the northeast, which is more liberal.

[ShadeOfGreen]

Politics can be really touchy for some people, and it's a lot easier for those sensitive on the subject to be with a like minded partner.

 

I'm a liberal that works with mostly conservatives. I avoid political discussions. I don't want anyone's heart rate to rise on account of me, and I know that we aren't going to change each other's minds. I also respect their views, and hope they respect mine. That's at work, though. Relationships can be hard enough as they are, and I want my home life to be easier not having to navigate political differences.

 

I'm not sure about the distribution of conservative vs liberal women out there in the dating world. I'm willing to bet there are plenty of conservative women out there. Go for those, and don't worry about the ones putting up a wall against your values.

[eleanorrigby]

These days in America saying you’re conservative usually means you support Trump and Trumpism. Many pre-Trump conservatives and never-Trump conservatives don’t call themselves conservative any more for that reason. Many women would date a man whose principles are moderate or conservative but reject men who support Trumpism.

 

Agreed. If I were dating, conservative viewpoints I could work with, but MAGA hats, “build that wall” and unwillingness to acknowledge or excusing trumps issues would be an immediate turnoff.

 

No where to go with something like that after the hormones die down except for constant conversations that would devolve into arguments , so I would put no trump on my profile as well.

[CautiouslyOptimistic]

It's probably your location. Here in the south, it's hard to find a liberal woman, sadly. I had much better success dating when I lived in the northeast, which is more liberal.

 

I think it probably does vary based on location. Where I live, really the only conservative women are Christian. But there are plenty of non-Christian conservative men. I don't know why. Being a conservative woman can really get you bullied, at least if you're vocal about it (i.e. online). I actually belong to a secret group on FB for conservative women. It actually has the word "secret" in the title!

[Happy Lemming]

My girlfriend is a far left democrat and I'm a republican, although I am pro-choice. We just don't talk about politics, if we have the news on, we don't comment on the political stories.

 

There are plenty of other topics to discuss, beside politics.

 

I really don't know why its such an issue in dating... In the old days, when you pulled the handle, the curtain closed and you voted, nobody knew which buttons you pushed. I don't understand why politics has "wheedled" its way into dating.

[thefooloftheyear]

I think it probably does vary based on location. Where I live, really the only conservative women are Christian. But there are plenty of non-Christian conservative men. I don't know why. Being a conservative woman can really get you bullied, at least if you're vocal about it (i.e. online). I actually belong to a secret group on FB for conservative women. It actually has the word "secret" in the title!

 

 

I am not even sure a lot of those guys are "conservative"...At least not in the definition/characterization of another poster previous who thinks that every conservative guy wants women barefoot and in the kitchen, no control over their reproductive rights, etc...

 

In most cases they are just guys that are sick and tired of the anti capitalism, tax and spend, heavy government involvement in people's lives, open borders, etc, agendas that are the stock and trade of the left...So they resist...

 

A lot of my right leaning guy friends don't even like Trump all that much..Its probably best to characterize these guys as right leaning Libertarians moreso than "conservatives"....at least in the conventional definition..

 

TFY

[carhill]

One relatively famous cross politic marriage is that of Mary Matalin and James Carville. However, it is the reverse of that being discussed here, with Mary historically being the conservative politically. She did recently change her affiliation to Libertarian but still a great example of two markedly different philosophies meshing in a 25 year pretty public beltway marriage.

 

I tended to not run into many liberal women, not to be confused with liberated women, in my demographic, probably because it was relatively rural. In fact, my exW had considered not meeting me because of concerns of my being too liberal. She was/is a gun-toting conservative, not uncommon locally. Probably it was because of my e-mail address and the fact that I was working on stuff in the electric vehicle and drip irrigation areas at the time and mentioned them in passing. She confused me for a tree hugging climate change wonk.

[Kitty Tantrum]

Okay, first I just have to say that "online" is one word. I guess I'm not going to change the prevailing vernacular, but I hate when acronyms are wrong more than I hate being called out for being pedantic.

 

I do believe women tend to be more inclined toward liberal views, and I do also believe this has a lot to do with our biological role in furthering our species.

 

There's a little more to it than that, though. There has also been a concerted social, cultural, and economic push to sell liberal politics to women, to coax them out of more traditional roles and into politics and the workforce at large (THANKS, industrial revolution ).

 

This conditioning begins in grade school at the latest, and is incredibly profitable for colleges, and for corporations/entities/organizations which have been able to slash wages in the form of never appropriately adjusting for inflation and cost of living due to having basically doubled their pool of competing workers and consumers.

 

Most of the women I've known who are more conservative were (like me) married by their mid-twenties, to men they met through church, school, work, or social circle. I think the mindset/upbringing that lends itself to the adoption of more conservative political views among women also tends to support the pursuit of marriage/family at a younger age, and to preclude reaching out into the ether to find a partner - unless or until they've exhausted their local options. Not in all instances, of course, but I'd venture to say it accounts for some of the trend you've noticed.

 

Edit to add: living rurally vs. in the city also makes a big difference, like carhill alluded to. There's a substantial correlation between rural living and conservative views - and I'd wager there's also a correlation between rural living and more "old fashioned" dating. The "quick and easy" appeal of dating apps and websites is heavily diminished when every potential date involves setting aside an hour or so just for transportation to the nearest place where people actually want to go.

Edited December 21, 2018 by Kitty Tantrum

[eleanorrigby]

 

Most of the women I've known who are more conservative were (like me) married by their mid-twenties, to men they met through church, school, work, or social circle. I think the mindset/upbringing that lends itself to the adoption of more conservative political views among women also tends to support the pursuit of marriage/family at a younger age, and to preclude reaching out into the ether to find a partner - unless or until they've exhausted their local options. Not in all instances, of course, but I'd venture to say it accounts for some of the trend you've noticed.

 

Edit to add: living rurally vs. in the city also makes a big difference, like carhill alluded to. There's a substantial correlation between rural living and conservative views - and I'd wager there's also a correlation between rural living and more "old fashioned" dating. The "quick and easy" appeal of dating apps and websites is heavily diminished when every potential date involves setting aside an hour or so just for transportation to the nearest place where people actually want to go.

 

I’m the exception to your rule, we’ve been married since we were 21, met in high school, I have not worked outside the home in over 10 years. My family says I have an “old fashioned” marriage, I’m the lone stay at home mom in a sea of women officers, military, and university educated women in my family.

 

Being liberal to me isn’t those lifestyle choices...it’s the freedom to strike any path I choose in life, and mutual support from my fellow citizens to live as decent a life as possible in this wealthy country, amongst other things.

 

This is why I wouldn’t feel the need to do a hard pass on any conservative dating prospect, many of my lifestyle choices would fit right in with a more conservative man. Where we would have a problem is if xenophobia, racism, lack of willingness to mutually support fellow citizens, preferring to let them die and go to hell rather than be taxed, and hard feelings about what men and women should do/live/behave is part and parcel to his conservatism.