Why money and power affects male self-esteem

The relationship between money, power, and male self-esteem is a complex issue that has garnered attention in recent years. Many men find that their self-worth is closely tied to their earnings, especially when they compare themselves to their partners. For instance, Dave, a stay-at-home dad, expressed his feelings about his wife's success, stating, 'It stings your pride a little bit that your wife's the one out making all the money. ' Similarly, Tom, another stay-at-home father, shared his concerns about societal perceptions, saying, 'You tell them you stay home, and. they think you're some feminine dude. ' These sentiments highlight the traditional expectations that men should be the primary breadwinners in their families. As more women take on this role, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-esteem among men. Research indicates that when men are not the highest earners in their households, they may experience a decline in mental well-being. This is particularly concerning given that, historically, men have been viewed as the main providers. Despite the increasing number of women who are the primary earners, many men still grapple with outdated notions of masculinity that dictate their worth is linked to their financial success. This struggle can be exacerbated when men find themselves in situations where they are unexpectedly out of work or become stay-at-home dads due to circumstances beyond their control. Harry Bunton, a former consultant turned social media influencer, recently lost his job and shared his experience with his followers. He noted, 'It makes sense to me why there's such a high rate of depression, and worse, in that population. ' Bunton's story illustrates the emotional toll that job loss can take on men, particularly when it challenges their understanding of what it means to be a man. He hopes that by sharing his journey, others will recognize that their value is not solely determined by their income. Stay-at-home fathers often take on a significant amount of childcare responsibilities, and research shows that they tend to engage more with their children than their partners do. However, when it comes to household chores, the division of labor remains relatively equal. This suggests that while men may be stepping back from paid work, they are still actively participating in family life. Studies have shown that when fathers take paternity leave, it can lead to increased marital satisfaction and greater involvement in childcare. This is crucial because children who witness their fathers taking on caregiving roles are more likely to grow up with a sense of equality in gender roles. Furthermore, when men and women share household responsibilities, it can lead to improved job opportunities for both partners. This is because when men are more engaged at home, women can focus on their careers without the added burden of household tasks. Research has demonstrated that when women have more opportunities in the workforce, they gain more power in their relationships, allowing them to make significant decisions regarding finances and other important matters. As societal norms evolve and more men embrace family roles, it can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. For example, in Sweden, the introduction of paternity leave has resulted in happier families and a more equitable division of labor at home. Today, it is common for fathers in Sweden to take advantage of this leave, and societal expectations have shifted to support their involvement in childcare. However, not everyone is on board with these changes. A study conducted by King's College London revealed that younger generations have differing views on gender roles. Some young men feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them to support equality, with 60% of Gen Z men agreeing that they are being asked to do too much. This indicates that while some men are adapting to new norms, others still cling to traditional ideas of masculinity. It is essential to foster open discussions about what it means to be a man in today's world. By encouraging young men to embrace caregiving and share responsibilities, we can help reshape societal expectations. As more men take on these roles, it can lead to a more balanced and equitable society. In the future, as the number of female breadwinners continues to rise, men will need to adjust to these changes. This shift has the potential to create healthier family dynamics and improve relationships. By challenging outdated notions of gender roles, we can pave the way for a more equitable distribution of power within families.