When wives earn more: Swedish study links income dynamics to men’s mental health

A recent Swedish study has sparked debate by revealing that when wives out-earn their husbands, men’s likelihood of being diagnosed with mental health issues rises by 11 per cent. Conducted over a decade and involving more than 20,000 couples, the research sheds light on the persistence of traditional gender norms in modern relationships.

While Sweden is often seen as a global leader in gender equality, the findings, published in The Economic Journal, suggest that ingrained expectations around income dynamics still have significant effects on mental wellbeing. According to economist Demid Getik, who led the research, the study was motivated by a desire to understand whether ‘breadwinner’ roles influence mental health in egalitarian societies.

The study’s access to linked health and income records enabled a comprehensive analysis of couples’ earnings and their collective mental health. It found that when spouses earned similar amounts, their mental wellbeing improved in tandem with their overall household income. However, when a wife’s earnings surpassed her husband’s, the data revealed a marked increase in men’s diagnoses of mental health conditions, often accompanied by substance use issues.

A question of expectations

Mr Getik noted that traditional income expectations appear to play a role. “It seems like there is a certain preference still to have the male in the family earning more,” he said. Interestingly, the impact wasn’t confined to men. Women in higher-earning positions also showed an eight per cent rise in mental health diagnoses, although the effect was less pronounced. This suggests that societal pressures and internalised expectations may weigh heavily on both genders.

Wider implications

The findings are consistent with earlier studies linking higher female earnings to increased divorce rates and lower marital satisfaction. Mr Getik speculated that similar patterns might emerge in other countries, particularly those with more traditional gender roles. “If even in Sweden, with its high female labour force participation and relatively egalitarian culture, we see this, I would imagine in more conventional societies this would also apply,” he said.

At the same time, the study also highlighted a positive aspect: higher combined earnings correlated with greater overall mental wellbeing. This suggests that economic security plays a crucial role in marital happiness, regardless of who earns more.

What do you think?

This study raises important questions about the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. Are traditional gender expectations still influencing how we perceive success and partnership? And what can be done to reduce the mental health toll associated with subverting these norms?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Should society do more to challenge outdated ideas about income roles in relationships? Or is it simply human nature to feel unsettled when traditional roles are reversed? 

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