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Changing informal institutions via mimesis: Gender equality in marriage proposals

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  • Vera Hoelscher
  • Ratna Khanijou
  • Daniela Pirani

Abstract

Marriage equality has exposed how the institution of marriage is changing, but less attention has been given to how informal institutions around heterosexual marriage rituals are affected by a growing demand for gender equality. By applying institutional theory and feminist institutionalism to the context of women proposing to their male partners, this paper observes how shifts in gender norms change heteronormative institutions. Drawing from interviews with women who proposed to men and a virtual ethnography, we describe how reverse proposals can set precedence for emulation of practices or mimetic isomorphism. We therewith contribute to institutional theory in threefold ways. First, we describe how mimetic isomorphism introduces new standards and norms into a highly traditional institution. Second, we show how this integration of new standards and norms serves this patriarchal institution to remain relevant and appear progressive. Finally, we contend that this tension of joining a patriarchal institution but doing so in a subversive manner represents a double bind for women who are encouraged by society to formalize their heteronormative relationships through marriage and yet chastised for initiating this themselves.

Suggested Citation

  • Vera Hoelscher & Ratna Khanijou & Daniela Pirani, 2023. "Changing informal institutions via mimesis: Gender equality in marriage proposals," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 52-67, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:30:y:2023:i:1:p:52-67
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12898
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Natalie Galea & Abigail Powell & Martin Loosemore & Louise Chappell, 2020. "The gendered dimensions of informal institutions in the Australian construction industry," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1214-1231, November.
    2. Natalie Galea & Abigail Powell & Martin Loosemore & Louise Chappell, 2015. "Designing robust and revisable policies for gender equality: lessons from the Australian construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5-6), pages 375-389, June.
    3. Jo Littler & Catherine Rottenberg, 2021. "Feminist solidarities: Theoretical and practical complexities," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(3), pages 864-877, May.
    4. Devi Vijay & Shalini Gupta & Pavni Kaushiva, 2021. "With the margins: Writing subaltern resistance and social transformation," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(2), pages 481-496, March.
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