SaedNews: The phenomenon of Sugar Daddies and Sugar Mommies, which has recently gained significant attention in both the virtual and real worlds, refers to relationships where older individuals engage with younger ones, offering financial support in exchange for attention and affection.
SaedNews: According to a report by SaedNews' social service, Amir Rahbar, a social activist, wrote about the phenomenon of Sugar Mommies and Sugar Daddies, which has been widely discussed in both virtual and real spaces. Here’s the core of the story: A Sugar Daddy (for men) and a Sugar Mummy (for women) are older, wealthy individuals who enter into relationships with younger individuals, who in return may receive attention and affection in exchange for financial support. The younger individuals involved in such relationships are often referred to as "Sugar Babies."
According to English sources, the term "Sugar Daddy" dates back to 1908. Adolf Spreckels, the heir to the Spreckels sugar company, married a woman 24 years younger than him. She referred to him as "Sugar Daddy" after their marriage. Since then, the term has become widely used, especially between 1915 and 1920, to describe men who gave gifts to attract young women.
This type of relationship has recently become a heated topic in Iranian society. Young men and women are seeking such relationships, which typically involve an age gap of over twenty-five years. These relationships primarily have a financial aspect and can be seen as a form of transaction.
Sugar Daddies in Iran: The term "Sugar Daddy" first entered Iran through the media. In 2015, BBC Persian published a report that discussed how young American women, especially students, earned money through relationships with wealthy older men. This report quickly spread across Iran's social media, and the term "Sugar Daddy" gained popularity among social media users. In Iran, this type of relationship became somewhat "Iranianized" by adding an emotional aspect to it, in addition to the financial one.
Television and Sugar Mommies: The religious segment of Iranian society, which does not use satellite TV due to certain beliefs, often assumes that state TV addresses social issues directly and works toward cultural reforms. However, some TV series produced by state TV, such as Gardan Zani, Bazenandeh, and Dariush, have dealt with the topics of Sugar Daddies and Sugar Mommies. These series, whether directly or indirectly, showcase these phenomena.
The rise of phenomena like Sugar Mommies and Sugar Daddies reflects the cultural, economic, and social degradation in Iranian society. Trends such as smoking, drug use, cosmetic surgeries, and an increasing focus on financial relationships over emotional ones all signal this cultural decay. Changes in social norms can be considered a primary reason behind the spread of such phenomena. Even in Western countries, Sugar Mommies are not part of mainstream culture but have primarily spread through nonconformist minorities.
Why Do These Events Happen? In the current situation, social relationships have become transactional, with money playing a significant role. This is especially visible among young people, who, due to financial issues, are looking for ways to gain self-confidence and escape loneliness.
Amir Rahbar also points to the growing depression and anxiety within Iranian society, arguing that social indifference toward economic issues and social damage has led to the spread of such relationships.
How Should We Handle This? Rahbar emphasizes that societal reform requires collective effort, and we should not wait for change from the authorities. Reforms need to begin within society itself, and individuals must step forward to improve their lives.
In conclusion, Rahbar stresses that the root of many of these relationships lies in the societal economic challenges, which lead to social violations. He warns that if strict oversight isn’t implemented on such phenomena and if the country’s economic conditions continue to worsen, it will have a lasting negative impact on society’s future.
Psychological Analysis of Sugar Daddies and Sugar Mommies: Needs, Motivations, and Social Consequences
The phenomenon of Sugar Daddies and Sugar Mommies can be analyzed from various psychological perspectives due to its complex nature. Individuals involved in these relationships, whether as Sugar Daddies/Mommies or Sugar Babies, have different motivations, needs, and psychological problems. Here is a psychological analysis of both groups (those seeking out Sugar Daddies/Mommies and those filling these roles).
Sugar Babies (Those Seeking Sugar Daddies or Mommies):
Young individuals who enter these relationships often have specific psychological needs and motivations.
Financial Needs: The most significant motivation for entering these relationships is financial need. Many young individuals seeking Sugar Daddies or Mommies are in financially unstable situations. They may see these relationships as a way to alleviate financial pressure and gain financial security.
Low Self-Confidence and Emotional Compensation: Another psychological reason for seeking such relationships is low self-esteem or dissatisfaction with their life or personal situation. They may attempt to boost their confidence through financial support and attention from the older partner.
Need for Acceptance and Attention: Some Sugar Babies seek emotional validation and attention from older, wealthier individuals. This need for recognition may stem from emotional shortcomings or a lack of fulfilling family or social relationships.
Escaping Emotional Problems and Loneliness: Many entering these relationships may be dealing with emotional issues and loneliness, using the financial aspect to fill psychological voids temporarily.
Sugar Daddies/Mommies (Older Individuals):
Those who take on the role of Sugar Daddies or Mommies generally have different psychological motivations:
Need for Power and Control: A key trait of Sugar Daddies and Mommies is a desire to feel powerful and in control. These individuals, often wealthy, may use these relationships as a way to demonstrate their financial and social superiority.
Emotional Shortcomings or Past Failures: Some of these individuals may be dealing with emotional deficits or unfulfilled needs from previous relationships. They seek validation and affection from younger partners to compensate for emotional neglect or failure in earlier life.
Ego and Self-Worth: For some, these relationships provide an opportunity to reinforce their ego and self-worth. The attention they receive from younger partners may give them a sense of importance and validation.
Desire for New Experiences and Adventure: These relationships can also be seen as a way for older individuals to experience excitement and break free from routine life. It may serve as a form of adventure or a way to feel young and vibrant again.
Fear of Aging and Irrelevance: Older individuals may fear the social isolation and loss of attraction that comes with aging. Entering such relationships temporarily boosts their sense of youth and relevance.
The Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mummy phenomenon highlights not only societal and economic crises but also deep-seated psychological issues, where both parties seek emotional and financial fulfillment, often as a response to broader personal insecurities and dissatisfaction.
