In a modernized family setting, women who take more economic responsibility reportedly showed an improved psychological and physical well-being. Unfortunately, the statement doesn't apply on men as a new University of Connecticut study showed that being a primary breadwinner is taking a toll on men's psychological and physical health.
According to University of Connecticut assistant sociology professor and lead study author Christin Munsch, the research was presented at the American Sociological Association annual conference on Aug. 21. Munsch also explained the surprising and quite opposite findings, stressing that "no one-size-fits-all solution" for millennial families.
Based on the research, men who were the primary breadwinners showed that there's a slight decrease in their psychological well-being and physical health scores. As for the women, the decline on their psychological well-being score was seen in economically dependent women while no change was recorded when it comes to their physical health score, CNN revealed.
With the new findings, Munsch said that their study highlighted the fact that while men are expected to be breadwinners, their roles for solely providing for their families have adverse ramifications. The researchers also suggested that breadwinning might be a less stressful and less anxiety-ridden experience for men if the society didn't place more pressure on the manly breadwinner stereotype, as per Live Science.
Munsch also explained how breadwinning was viewed by both men and women. According to Munsch, men usually perceived breadwinning as a "sense of obligation." Women, on the other hand, saw breadwinning as an "opportunity or a sense of pride."
With that said, experts revealed how cultural expectations for men and women affect these psychological well-being differences Since having more economic responsibility for men tends to lead to negative repercussions while it has a positive impact on women, researchers said that their study suggested that "decoupling breadwinning from masculinity" posed more tangible advantages for both sexes, Mansfield Patch reported.
Meanwhile, the study also highlighted the gender gap in the socioeconomic roles of men and women. That's why, researchers suggested for a second wave of gender revolution, where outdated and rigid gender roles would be eliminated and the society will concentrate more on egalitarian relationships.
So, what exactly is the egalitarian approach in relationships? As reported by The Independent, the egalitarian approach represents the idea that both men and women are expected to make equal contributions in terms of financial, childcare and domestic responsibilities.
This idea was also echoed by New York University's sociology professor Kathleen Gerson that millennial parents and couples prefer the egalitarian approach. Gerson said these aspirations would be possible if the society will start restructuring workplaces and child-rearing facilities to support a balance between breadwinning and caregiving for both men and women.
Do you think it's time for the society to promote the egalitarian approach in breadwinning and caregiving? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
