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Modern society imposes various "norms" on mothers that shape their daily lives [14]: A lack of boundaries where the son feels responsible for his mother’s happiness. The son may struggle to make life decisions without maternal validation. When a man is overly dependent on his mother, his romantic relationships often face significant pressure. Partners may feel like they are competing with the mother for attention and affection. Research suggests that a lack of resolution in early mother-son interactions can lead to difficulties in forming adult intimacy. This can cause the partner to feel like an outsider, often causing them to feel that the mother is a "third party" in the marriage, leading to conflict. 2. Evolving Gender Roles and Expectations : Culturally, the mother-son bond is frequently romanticized or prioritized, with mothers often referring to their first-born son as their "first eye-pain" ( ilk göz ağrısı ), a term of endearment signifying deep emotional priority. Mothers play an architectural role in dismantling toxic masculinity. A mother who encourages her son to cry, express vulnerability, and participate in domestic care helps raise a man who views women as equals. Conversely, a mother who coddles her son while expecting his sisters or future partner to serve him perpetuates systemic gender inequality. |
