September 28, 2007

Did you know there is a happiness gap? Yes, researchers with nothing better to do have discovered that men are generally happier than women. How can this be?

One of the biggest gaps is that men like being with their parents, while women find time with their mom and dad to be slightly less pleasant than doing laundry.

Alan Krueger, a Princeton economist, did this study that included four psychologists. 40 years ago, a typical woman (is there such a thing?) Spent about 23 hours a week in activity considered unpleasant, or 40 more minutes than a typical man (ditto). Today, with men working less, the gap is 90 minutes.

I have another theory. The feminist movement has let women down. They have not found happiness in externals, as men never have. And look at the media. Are there happy women on TV? No, most are abused by uncaring men, or rape victims, or worried about weight, or married to an abusive or husband. Watch Oprah, or Dr. Phil. Listen to Dr. Laura. The tales of woe go on and on. There are no happy women on TV, especially on the lifetime network. Could that have something to do with the happiness gap?

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.