The Dark Side of Love: Power, Control, and the Myth of Romance

How Romantic Ideals Mask Inequality and Shape Female Submission

Romantic love is often celebrated as a pure and transformative force, but beneath this ideal lies a complex web of power and control. In The Female Eunuch, Germaine Greer exposes how love frequently serves to mask inequalities within relationships, especially those affecting women.

Marriage, traditionally seen as the ultimate expression of love, often functions as an economic and social contract that secures security and status rather than mutual fulfillment. Women are frequently expected to sacrifice autonomy and conform to roles of compliance and selflessness. This dynamic perpetuates dependency and limits genuine equality.

The idealization of love demands women embody altruism while excusing male possessiveness and egoism. This imbalance creates a fertile ground for resentment, emotional distress, and even abuse. Recognizing these distortions is crucial for building relationships based on respect and shared power.

This blog invites readers to critically reflect on cultural myths of love and to envision new models of intimacy that empower women and foster true partnership.