Throughout its 13 seasons, Married At First Sight has attempted to pair dozens of brides and grooms, but fans don't think that the women and men cast in the dating series receive the same treatment. Although both husbands and wives have been embraced and criticized by the series' fanbase, some viewers think the expectations placed on the men aren't equal to those the show's women are judged by. From the ambiguous "wife material" husbands commonly reference to the grooms' often dismissed immaturity, here are all of the reasons why Married At First Sight fans think there's a double standard for the dating show's men and women.
As is to be expected in a franchise about romantic relationships, the dynamic between men and women is a fascinating feature and a strong appeal of Married At First Sight. Unfortunately, fans don't think that the grooms and brides are held to the same expectations while sorting through their marital issues. Some are quick to call out women cast members for flaws like being too demanding but others will praise a man for doing the bare minimum. In addition to the fickle audience, the relationship experts are also known to nitpick the brides for not meeting the unrealistic expectations they have for wives. Some fans are frustrated that men simply seem to get away with more in Married At First Sight.
Regrettably, the standards of what a husband and what a wife should be haven't been equal, historically, and viewers believe that some of this gender bias is evident in the way Married At First Sight's relationship experts critique the marriages featured in the experimental dating show. Specifically, some fans think that season 13 highlighted this issue as the women were expected to carry the heft of their husbands' baggage. The latest season featured controlling men like Jose, but viewers don't agree that the husbands received all of the criticism they earned. One Reddit user vented, "The experts keep talking about the female contestants and the amount of 'wife' material they may already possess... It's very rare that the experts speak of potential male participants to have husband material." Instead of sharing how both partners could improve their marriage, fans think relationship experts will criticize the wife's ability by default.
Unfortunately, other fans agreed that Married At First Sight demands more from the woman cast members than the men. A viewer noted that the relationship experts mimic the real world in their disproportionate expectations, asserting, "Much like in life, the bar has always been set at toddler height for dudes on this show. And yet, they largely fail to meet very minimal standards." Fans think that as long as men don't cheat or act hysterically, they are exceeding experts' expectations. Conversely, the women featured in the dating series become responsible for the entire marriage's wellbeing. Another fan explained, "It’s up to the women to make the marriages successful." One commenter cited that a woman cast member was once asked the unfair question that was "Along the lines of 'What are you going to bring to this marriage to keep your husband?'"
As is exhibited in fans' testimonials, the women featured in Married At First Sight are often expected to carry the bulk of the marriage's responsibility. From anticipating women will do whatever it takes to maintain their husbands' interest to men's low standards, viewers think relationship experts aren't cultivating a level playing field. Sadly, not even Married At First Sight is immune to unfair gender norms.
Sources: BOBS_says_WHAT/Reddit, btdixon58/Reddit, gestalt-warrior/Reddit, ElleBelle901/Reddit