Study Establishes Scale for Measuring 'Mankeeping' Among Women

The term 'mankeeping' describes the effort women make to compensate for their partners’ diminished friendships, encompassing tasks like organizing social events, encouraging reconnections with friends, and providing primary emotional support to mitigate feelings of isolation.

This research builds on existing sociological studies, such as a 1985 study on 'kinkeeping,' which explored women's roles in maintaining family relationships. Recent data indicates that men are increasingly experiencing social isolation. A 2022 study highlighted that men tend to face greater social loneliness than women throughout their adult lives, while a 2026 study indicated that psychological distress significantly impacts men's support networks.

Recognizing these patterns, researchers Angelica P. Ferrara and Dylan P. Vergara articulated the concept of mankeeping in a 2024 paper, suggesting that declining male friendships create an unreciprocated burden on female partners, who strive to shield their relationships from the consequences of loneliness.

Lead researcher Vincent Mancini, an adjunct senior research fellow at UWA Medical School, noted that women have often expressed undertaking these responsibilities. As loneliness becomes a public health crisis with gender implications, the goal of this study was to understand how women manage their partners’ social needs.

The survey was constructed using responses from 402 women in heterosexual relationships of six months or longer. Participants ranked their agreement with 62 items on a seven-point scale and completed psychological questionnaires covering depression, anxiety, stress, relationship burnout, relationship burden, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Through statistical methods, the items were refined into 46 categories that reflect women’s behaviors, emotional responses, and perceptions of their partners' social networks. Higher scores indicated greater relationship burden, lower satisfaction, and increased levels of depression and anxiety.

Mancini stated that the survey provides a validated measure for assessing how women address their partners' unmet social needs. He emphasized that higher engagement in mankeeping activities often leads to lower relationship satisfaction, indicating the importance of social connections outside the romantic partnership.

Interestingly, the emotional toll came more from active engagement in mankeeping than merely recognizing a partner's lack of friends. Moreover, women with traditional views on gender roles were more likely to report mankeeping behaviors.

To validate their survey, named the Mankeeping Scale – Partner Report, the researchers applied it to a second group of 395 women in the UK, confirming consistent results across populations. They then developed a condensed 18-item version of the survey, maintaining reliability while offering a more practical research tool.

Sara B. Chadwick, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the importance of having validated measures like the Mankeeping Scale to explore the dynamics women face in supporting their male partners. She added that the findings advance feminist research by identifying specific behaviors related to the gendered expectations of caregiving.

However, the study relies on self-reported data from women, potentially skewing the understanding of their partners' social needs. Future research should include input from both partners to better assess relationship dynamics.

Mancini acknowledged the diversity of romantic couples, cautioning that these findings might not universally apply. The study opens pathways for longitudinal research to track the evolution of mankeeping over time and to explore how men's and women's experiences of emotional labor intersect.

Overall, the research signifies a notable advance in understanding the ways gender norms shape romantic relationships, with implications for both individuals and relationships in broader societal contexts.