Explore the origins and controversial reception of 'The Rules' dating manual. Delve into the changing dynamics between men and women in the dating scene. Discuss the appeal and impact of 'The Rules', including its scandalous reputation. Examine the lasting legacy of 'The Rules' and how it resonates in modern dating. Reflect on the challenges women face in asserting themselves and negotiating salaries.
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Quick takeaways
The Rules became a cultural phenomenon by offering certainty and control in the chaotic world of dating.
The controversy surrounding The Rules heightened its popularity as it tapped into the tension between gender equality and traditional dating scripts.
Deep dives
The Controversial Dating Manual: The Rules
The podcast episode explores the controversial dating manual called The Rules, which was published in the mid-1990s. The rules, aimed at women, provided a set of guidelines and advice on how to navigate dating and relationships in the modern world. The authors, Sherry Schneider and Ellen Fine, drew inspiration from past generations and asserted that women should be passive and let men take the lead in pursuing them. Despite facing criticism from feminists and dating experts, The Rules became a massive bestseller and developed a loyal following. The podcast delves into the reasons behind its popularity, the critiques it received, and its ongoing relevance.
The Allure of Certainty and Control
One of the main attractions of The Rules was its promise of clarity and control in the chaotic world of dating. By following the rules, women were assured that they could secure a husband or avoid heartbreak. The certainty offered by The Rules resonated with many readers who found comfort in adhering to age-old gender roles and societal expectations. Despite the book's regressive outlook and conservative nature, its popularity persisted because it addressed the ambiguity and confusion that often accompany modern dating.
The Backlash and Controversy
From the moment of its release, The Rules faced backlash and controversy. Feminists criticized the book for promoting outdated gender norms and undermining the progress made in women's empowerment. The book was accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reducing women to passive objects of pursuit. Yet, the controversy only fueled its popularity, leading to more media attention, sales, and dedicated followers. The podcast explores the tension between women's desire for equality and the appeal of traditional dating scripts.
The Enduring Influence of The Rules
Despite the passage of time, the influence of The Rules persists. Many women continue to seek guidance from the book and its updated iterations. The podcast explores the reasons behind this enduring influence, examining how The Rules tap into deep-seated desires for love, certainty, and control in the realm of dating. While The Rules may be seen as regressive and simplistic, its allure lies in its promise of a straightforward path to romantic success, even as the complexities of modern dating continue to evolve.
From the moment it was released in 1995, The Rules was controversial.. Some people loved it—and swore that the dating manual’s throwback advice helped them land a husband. Others thought it was retrograde hogwash that flew in the face of decades of feminist progress. The resulting brouhaha turned the book into a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, Slate’s Heather Schwedel explores where The Rules came from, how it became so popular, and why its list of 35 commandments continue to be so sticky—whether we like it or not.
Decoder Ring is produced by Willa Paskin and Katie Shepherd. This episode was edited by Willa Paskin. Derek John is executive producer. Joel Meyer is senior editor/producer. Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director.
We’d like to to thank Benjamin Frisch, Rachel O'Neill, Penny Love, Heather Fain, Elif Batuman, Laura Banks, Marlene Velasquez-Sedito, Leigh Anderson, Caroline Smith. We also want to mention two sources that were really helpful: Labour of Love by Moira Weigel, a paper called Shrinking Violets and Caspar Milquetoasts by Patricia McDaniel
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