When it comes to marriage, the old stereotype of men as the breadwinner is now being said to be seriously out of touch, as American husband and wives take on new roles. So, who’s bringing home the gelt? A new study says more women than ever.
“Simply in terms of economic status, marriage has become a much better deal for younger men than it was 30 or 40 years ago,” said Richard Fry of the Pew Research Center.
Fry co-authored a Pew Research Center study of census data from 1970 to 2007, comparing Americans ranging in age from 30 to 44 years old. He says women are dominating men both in the workforce and higher education and that means for the first time in American history, men are marrying up.
In 1970, 64 percent of college graduates were men and 36 percent were women. And nearly four decades later – a flip flop.
In 2007, 46 percent of graduates were men and 53 percent were women.
When it comes to earnings, the numbers are even more telling. Yes, the study found men still make more on average, but women are narrowing the gap. Since 1970, women’s earnings grew 44 percent compared to 6 percent for men.
Psychologist Anne-Renee Testa says the trend is a reality and for couples, it’s about being open to change.
“Hey, women have been doing it for years, marrying up,” she said. “So what’s wrong with that? A secure woman doesn’t mind that all. A secure woman says I want a good man, I want a good relationship, I want a healthy relationship. I want a good father for my children – and that matters more than anything else.”
The study was completed in 2007, before this latest economic recession, when 75 percent of the jobs lost were held by men.
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