For the most part, a quick glance at the cover of any romance novel is all it takes to reveal the formula that’s inside. For better or worse, it’s a genre of fantasied gender stereotypes and it has long had its place.
But The Guardian is now reporting on research that points to the books of Mills and Boon, a leading publisher of romances, as culprits of measurable negative impacts on women’s mental and sexual health. The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health found that even modernized releases with employed, relatively empowered female protagonists present “a deep strand of escapism, perfectionism and idealization” that mental health care professionals see affecting the expectations and experiences of an increasing number of clients.
With cases of unwanted pregnancy, STDs, and depression rising among their romance novel-enthusiast clients, and romance novels making up half of all book sales in certain places, some health care professionals are convinced there’s a correlation.
3 responses
They’re basing this on stereotypes and the worst examples of the genre. It’s like saying fantasy readers have no grasp on reality. It’s patronising, and the girls from smart bitches trashy books have a LOT to say about it.
yeah, but on further investigation, the ‘research’ is extremely dubious…
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/07/07/137675779/romance-fiction-and-womens-health-a-dose-of-skepticism
As a family law attorney, I think it is far more likely that a culture of “happily ever after” produces a number of young women who want to believe the myths, and select books that support their preferred view of romance. I just saw “Bridesmaids” last weekend, and like so many other stories, it was all about the build-up to the wedding, including a new romance for the maid of honor. It is far more difficult for two adults to get along and live together than our culture cares to admit.
Click here to subscribe today and leave your comment, or log in if you’re already a paid subscriber.