Society's Perceptions of Husbands who Make Less Money than Their Wives

The goal of this exploratory study is to learn about society’s perceptions of husbands who make less money than their wives. Due to a demographic shift in the genders roles of families, society has broken away from the traditional stereotype that men are “breadwinners” for economic and social reasons. The research question will be explored by looking at 1) society’s perceptions as a whole, 2) how this phenomenon influences family systems, 3) how it influences spousal relationships, 4) how it influences father-child relationships, 5) and how it influences fathers’ psychosocial self-impressions. To further explore this issue, two to three in-depth qualitative interviews will be conducted. Data collection is currently underway, and our findings will be presented at the symposium event. My hope for this study is to bridge the gap in the understanding of financial expectations and responsibilities in the nuclear family, which will give insight on handling the pressures, associated with those responsibilities. It will also help to connect with men on a more personal basis with psychological health at home, in the workplace, and within themselves.

Faculty Mentor: Patrick Cheek