If you thought stereotypes around the roles that men and women should play in relationships were ancient history, think again.
In depressing news, more than seven in 10 Gen Z men believe they should be the primary breadwinner in a relationship.
These 18 to 24-year-old men feel they should be the providers in heterosexual relationships – a higher number than the generation before them, where just 14% of men aged 65 and over felt the same.
The reason for this? More than half of Gen Z men (58%) believe that if a man earned less than the woman he was dating, it would be emasculating.
The reality of the situation though is quite the opposite. Young women in heterosexual relationships are more likely to contribute or pay more towards expenses like petrol, car payments, the weekly shop, presents, pet care, nursery and school fees and holidays, than men.
And the statistics show that Gen Z women don’t feel the same as their male counterparts when it comes to their earnings. Just 20% of Gen Z women feel men should be the primary breadwinner in a relationship, and just 16% agreed that a man being out-earned by a woman was emasculating.
Dr Becky Spelman, psychologist and founder of Private Therapy Clinic says that young men have an attitude that’ been ‘ingrained for generations’.
‘Despite shifting gender norms, many men may still feel the need to fulfil this role as a way to prove their worth and provide for their partners,’ Becky tells Metro.co.uk.
She cites societal expectations and older family members with more ‘traditional beliefs about gender roles’ as key factors when shaping a man’s attitude to money.
She also highlights that the concepts of money and masculinity are intertwined.
‘Financial stability is often equated with success and masculinity, leading men to feel the need to earn more than their partners to feel secure,’ Becky explains.
‘Portrayals of successful men in media often emphasise their career and financial success, reinforcing the idea that men should be the primary earners in relationships.
‘Some men may tie their self-worth and identity to their ability to provide for their partners and family.’
Many men still have an intrinsic desire to be ‘manly’, according to Becky, which is why they likely feel this way about money.
‘Being “manly” means embodying traits such as strength, independence, and providing for their partners,’ she adds.
‘Society often views manliness as displaying traditional masculine qualities like stoicism, dominance, and career success.’
And, of the 3,000 adults surveyed by Starling Bank, 69% of Gen Z men avoid having important conversations around finances. This is the case for just 21% of women.
Becky says that this is because men may fear judgement on their ability to provide financially.
‘Gen Z men may avoid discussing finances in relationships due to a fear of judgement, insecurity, or because they want to maintain independence,’ Becky adds.
‘This lack of communication is unhealthy and can lead to misunderstandings, financial strain, and a lack of trust in the long run.’
Couples with a more equitable view of money tend to be happier. Romantic pairings of all ages, who split things equally, were found to be more likely to believe that finances within their relationship are fair (92%) compared to those who split things based on their income (80%).
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source https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/11/2024-gen-z-men-still-this-attitude-earning-money-20441273/
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