Men often interpret love as the fuel of female happiness, while women tend to equate happiness with well being. In moments like this, the modern woman’s career holds equal weight to motherhood. A recent SuperJob survey, summarized by socialbites.ca, highlights this shift in how happiness is framed.
Among men, love stands out as the primary source of happiness for women, with 57% agreeing. Family follows closely at 52%, motherhood at 41%, and personal well being at 40%. For some, sex matters even more; 23% say it is essential, 16% point to attractive appearance, 15% to marriage. Freedom is valued by 12%, career by 11%, creativity by 10%, and friendship by 6%.
Women report different priorities. Wealth tops their list at 59%, with love next at 57%. Family ranks third at 53%. Motherhood and career appear as key elements for 35% and 33% of women respectively. Freedom, creativity, appearance, and friendship follow at 30%, 25%, 18%, and 14%. Only 10% name gender or marriage as major happiness components for women, and 7% mention it for the other.
Among younger participants, under 34, career, freedom, friendship, and creativity are cited most often as important to happiness. In contrast, motherhood and marriage carry more weight for the older generation. Income also shapes views: higher earnings tend to make love appear more central to happiness for those surveyed.
When comparing 2010 to today, both men and women are less likely to link marriage, motherhood, family, appearance, love, and sexual satisfaction with women’s happiness. At the same time, friendship, freedom, and creativity gain importance for both genders. Women increasingly see wealth as a significant factor in happiness.
People from the older generation recall childhood associations when asked about what happiness means for girls and boys, showing a lasting link between family life and personal fulfillment across generations.