Academics have warned that the rise of the ‘bromances’ mean the end of heterosexuality as we know it. They discovered that many men find their close male friendships more emotionally satisfying than relationships with women. Intense male friendships have grown more acceptable in recent decades as attitudes towards homosexuality changed, meaning men no longer fear showing affection towards each other. But researchers at the University of Winchester warned that bromances, coupled with the ease at which men can now engage in casual sex, are threatening long term relationships with women. Dr Stefan Robinson, of the University of Winchester, said the results were ‘significant and worrying’ for women and warned there is in emerging culture of sexism and disdain in the way Millennial men view the opposite sex. “These heterosexual millennial men cherish their close male friends, so much so that they may even provide a challenge to the orthodoxy of traditional heterosexual relationships. Because heterosexual sex is now achievable without the need for romantic commitment, the bromance could increasingly become recognized as a genuine lifestyle relationship, whereby two heterosexual men can live together and experience all the benefits of a traditional heterosexual relationship.” The researchers say films such as 21 Jump Street (2012), Due Date (2010) and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) have also heralded the era of the ‘Lad flick’ which has made close friendships between men normal and desirable. The research was published in the journal Men and Masculinities. Recommended Further Reading : Privileging the Bromance: A Critical Appraisal of Romantic and Bromantic Relationships
I’m gonna call bullshit on the validity of this research and its findings. I am not even going into the lack of a conceptual framework or deficiencies in the scientific model. To declare that so-called “bromances” threatened heterosexual relationships is ludicrous. Then to call men sexist for not sharing emotionality or their every secret with women is short-sighted and obviously biased and actually has a taint of homophobia. – Dr Mike
Ah, men. Let’s be clear. Sex acts are not necessarily acts of love, but they can be. Bromances can be romances. Romantic love and “sex” are not opposites. Men can love women but not want or have sex with them. Tolerance for difference is growing but also contracting. Men can be simple or they can be complex. Everything changes but also stays much the same. Heterosexuality is not going to end, either is homosexuality. Live and let live. Peace not war. Honour the dead as well as the living. Love thy neighbour, whatever his sexual orientation, as thyself. If you want to have sex with him, and he wants to too, please do!