Question

Men’s and Women's Psychological Health and Financial Wealth: Discuss men’s and women's psychological and financial well-being relative to work and family. It has long been thought that marriage can enhance a man’s work, whereas marriage and family will interfere with a woman’s work. Is this your experience? What are your thoughts about the much discussed Wage Gap between male and female workers?

Answer 1

1) In households where men are the sole breadwinners, men are seen to have poorer mental health as well as physical health. For women it is not much of a burden if she only has to take care of the home. For a man, being sole provider means more financial burden on him. For him this may be an obligation, or a responsibility, which he feels he must fulfil rather than enjoy it. And as he has to work all by himself to provide for his whole family, the burden may be huge. This may also affect the family's financial well-being. Financially it will not be enough to cover for health insurances and medical emergencies. This also affects the rate of emotional well-being and happiness.

For women, having a job or not, both works well. Unlike men, they are not pressured to hold on to a job unless there is a financial crisis or the situation is dire. In most countries women are expected to take care of the house while it is the obligation of men to work. But for prosperity and financial well-being, both partners in a household should have job. This might inevitably put more burden on women as she will have to juggle between home and office. But it can be handled if men also put in efforts to help at home. If, both partners are working emotional well-being, financial-well-being and happiness is ensured. This is because the burden gets shared and men no longer have to face the financial burden alone. As for women, they feel happier as they can feel a sense of pride and financial independence. Time for family might be a bit less but that can be managed during off days, when both partners can spend time as family. In terms of financial well-being, they both are able to provide and contribute more to the family in terms of good schooling for children, affording of leisure and luxury items, medical covers, etc.

2) Yes, marriage can enhance men's work while it can interfere with woman's work. Marital satisfaction is hinged on many factors like social support, love, marital sex, relationships with in-laws, and help around the house. Due to traditional views, breadwinning men are exempted from house related responsibilities like caregiving, chores around the house, etc. Such gender allocated social role impact the view of marriage. For men, this enhances their work and gives them marital satisfaction. But with changing times, what will happen when women also get employed? The burden on her will increase if there is no one to help her share the responsibility around the house. This is the sole reason for working women viewing marriage as a shackle. This will also affect the marriage in long run. Woman will be fully engaged with office and home, unable to give time for family. She will not be able to give any time, or support to anyone, this will lead to decrease in happiness and satisfaction in marriage. This will also increase general dissatisfaction of women towards men causing negative emotions and arguments which might eventually lead to divorce.

3) Wage gap is a relative measure of difference of pay between two different groups of workers. There are laws in U.S. stating that men and women have to be paid equally for the same job. But many argue that women get office leaves for delivery, and they work less hours as they have to go home early, women prefer low paying jobs and do not pursue prestigious careers, and that they are less educated and experienced than men. But these arguments are not strong and have been dismissed as being excuses. In all aspects of life women are seen as being able to gain same footing as men. Be it education, experience, type of job, etc. There are many women who have prestigious careers, there are even women CEOs and many women who have made it into Forbes’s list. The pay gap is because of the gender not because women are unwilling to work or because they are not capable enough. Many studies have shown that men get paid more after graduating, and even after years of service, men are richer as compared to women. This can be seen indirectly in jobs as the highest-paying jobs disproportionately reward those who can work the longest, and during least flexible hours. These types of job usually penalize workers who have caregiving responsibilities outside the workplace which tend to be women. Right now, the burden of child rearing is falling disproportionately on women and getting penalized for it is not right. Pay gap is shrinking, but it will not go away unless these problems are first dealt with.