Researchers from the University of Connecticut analyzed survey results from over 3,000 married men and women between the ages of 18 and 32 from 1997 to 2011. They found that when a man’s contributions made up a larger share of the total household income, their overall physical and psychological health was lower than when both partners contributed equally. Women, meanwhile, showed increased psychological well-being as they earned a larger share of income. The UConn study, though unpublished and not yet peer-reviewed, will be presented on Sunday (August 21) at this year’s American Sociological Association’s meeting in Seattle. [...]
To be sure, these results were self-reported. Munsch and her team were not able to look at medical evaluations of their responders’ mental and physical health. And these results aren’t able to shed light on partners who are in same-sex relationships or cohabiting relationships and are unmarried.
Still, the results of this study help make the case for the benefits of a dual-income household where financial responsibility is shared equally. “Our study contributes to a growing body of research that demonstrates the ways in which gendered expectations are harmful for men too.” Munsch said in the press release. When men are expected to fit a masculine mold, they are less able to express emotion and affection, which can lead to feelings of alienation. “Men are expected to be breadwinners, yet providing for one’s family with little or no help has negative repercussions.”
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