Why the jealous husband theory is straight-up garbage

Another day, another headline reminding us how far we have to go.A study published in the Economic Journal late last year claims that a wife earning more than her husband increases the likelihood of his unhappiness.It shows us that even in relatively egalitarian societies, traditional gender roles are still shaping our relationships, and often in harmful ways.While the study was based in Sweden, it points to a deeper, systemic issue.This BS reinforcement of systemic sexism has to stop.

The idea that a woman’s prosperity will destabilize a marriage or threaten a man’s mental wellbeing is insulting and quite frankly, dangerous.It reinforces the idea that men can’t evolve beyond outdated gender roles, and suggests women should dim their light to keep peace.This kind of rhetoric also focuses exclusively on husband-wife dynamics, reinforcing a heteronormative framework, ignoring or erasing the experiences of same-sex couples or non-traditional partnerships.These kinds of studies need to be called out for what they are: Regressive nonsense veiled in academic lingo.They reinforce a toxic narrative that has been around for far too long.

At the heart of it all are deeply ingrained and outdated beliefs about what men and women should be.Men are told their worth is tied to their wallets and women are told to reach for the stars (providing their success doesn’t upset the trad status quo), while non-heteronormative dynamics are ignored completely.

They reinforce a dangerous cultural narrative that discourages women from stepping into their power.A decade-long study conducted by the Australian National University showed that women who out-earn their male partners or spouses are 35 percent more likely to experience domestic violence.This is a horrendous statistic.

Financial independence should empower women – provide them with more security, not put them at greater risk.This isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a systemic problem that places success and financi...