The Modern Trophy Wife: Is it a Good Thing?
These days, you don’t often hear the term ‘trophy wife’ being thrown around in popular culture.
With its derogatory connotations and its focus on physical appearance over romantic connection, it’s not seen as a complement in modern circles. However, with some celebrity relationship dynamics resembling the age-old stereotype, is it fair to say it’s still being said behind closed doors?
To get to the root of the issue, we’ve analyzed the origins of the term and whether there are any positives hidden beneath its pretty surface.
What is a trophy wife?
A trophy wife is a colloquial term that refers to a relationship between a young, attractive woman to a powerful, older man. The implication is that the wife is primarily a status symbol for the husband, rather than a life partner chosen for love.
In this dynamic, rich and successful men seek out younger women to fulfill a kind of fantasy — whereby their powerful status enables them to attract beautiful women who aren’t bothered about an age difference.
Common examples of trophy wives include Anna Nicole Smith who was married to aging billionaire J. Howard Marshall, or Donald Trump’s ex-wife Marla Maples, or current wife Melania. However, with the label comes the scrutiny, with these women and many others relentlessly hunted and dehumanized for their choice to marry these men.
Overall, the concept is rooted in stereotypes and assumptions about gender and is not exactly considered to be a term of endearment. Instead, being a trophy spouse usually comes with other labels such as ‘gold digger’, as well as negative connotations about female sexuality and beauty.
Where did the term ‘trophy wife’ come from?
Like many of these terms, such as ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’, the origins of this term are a little hazy.
However, this term is believed to have entered popular culture in the latter half of the 20th century in America, embodying various sociocultural phenomena and attitudes that were prevalent during that time.
While this term is often used lightly, it reflects societal values that prioritize physical attractiveness, good looks, youth, wealth, and status above anything else. Therefore, this term negates the intricate dynamics of interpersonal relationships and reduces the role of young women to nothing more than a status symbol at the mercy of a rich man.
Even though it still lurks in the modern vocabulary, the term didn’t originate in this era!
Why do some men seek trophy wives?
The common reason for seeking a trophy wife or husband (for gay men) is to have a kind of accessory to prove their own social status, wealth, and connection. This of course reduces the role of the woman in the relationship, with their main requirement being to reflect the power of the man.
While this is the commonly cited reasoning behind selecting a younger, attractive partner, it does not speak to all of these kinds of relationship dynamics. For example, the man may simply have fallen for a younger female, and there could be a real connection there that omits them from the stereotype.
What is the role of a trophy wife?
The concept of a trophy wife is rooted in stereotypes and societal perceptions, with this kind of woman perceived to fulfill certain roles or functions within the context of her marriage.
While reading through this list, remember that we are discussing the stereotypical role and characteristics of this kind of wife, rather than the reality of this association.
Is being a trophy wife a good thing?
Whether being a trophy wife is deemed good or bad is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and specific relationship dynamics.
Modern perspectives tend to resent the concept that reduces female agency and shallow relationships, with online discourse still reserving judgment for those who choose to partake in them.
Elizabeth McClintock, a sociologist at Notre Dame, has raised some interesting points about trophy wives, suggesting that the phenomenon is way less common than we might think and that it really represents a disruption in a sociological pattern.
For example, rich people usually marry rich people, while pretty people usually marry pretty people. The concept, or practice, of married women with older, potentially less attractive men disrupts these usual patterns and causes outrage.
Due to the misconceptions about trophy wives, people forget that this real-life dynamic can suit some women who are looking for financial stability, social standing, and leisure. It’s also important to remember that although the original stereotype doesn’t require a deep connection, this kind of relationship isn’t off the table.
Therefore, just because someone marries someone older or wealthier than them, doesn’t mean a real relationship dynamic isn’t in play.
“The increased security that can accompany this marriage can be a factor that promotes deeper intimacy when the marriage begins with love,” says Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist and In-House Expert at Paired.
“For certain individuals, this financial security allows them to relax, experience less stress, and have their needs met. If we think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physical need is a primary need for all, which includes access to food, shelter, and even reproductive rights. From a psychological perspective, it can create a sense of comfort that contributes to a satisfying relationship for both partners, when those primary needs are met. Not having those needs is a stressor on all relationships.”
Overall, we vote for forestalling any judgment and championing healthy relationship dynamics, in all their forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age gap for a trophy wife?
Usually, trophy wives are considerably younger than their husbands, with their youth and beauty making them desirable to wealthy men. While Anna Nicole Smith was 63 years younger than her husband, there is no definitive age gap when it comes to this dynamic.What is the difference between a trophy wife and a trophy girlfriend?
The only difference between a trophy wife and a trophy girlfriend is the specific nature of the commitment, with marriages implying a longer-term relationship. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio is known for dating a stream of young, attractive women, who could be considered as his ‘trophy girlfriends’.What’s a trophy husband?
Trophy husbands involve a role reversal, whereby the woman is the one in power, with a young, attractive male by her side. This dynamic may not be as common, but still speaks to the same kind of stereotypes as its female-led variation. This dynamic further challenges the social norm and can be subject to stronger social reactions from others. “Due to women generally having less social power in society and even being in a position of power with more money than their partner, it does not create the same dynamic as when the male partner is the one with significant wealth and power,” says Seeger DeGeare. “Furthermore, when the female partner is older, even with significant wealth, she is subjected to significant criticism for her choice in a partner, which an older male would not have to navigate.” “In the Queer community the term Trophy Husband has often been reclaimed and something to be proud of over shamed, often the self-identified Trophy husband finds joy, accomplishment, and even beauty as they embrace and make the title their own.”
