Research reveals that money and power are closely tied to male self-esteem, particularly when men earn less than their female partners. Traditional gender roles have long positioned men as primary breadwinners, and many still internalize this expectation, leading to feelings of shame, judgment, or loss of identity when the dynamic shifts.

Axar.az reports that Melissa Hogenboom, in an article published on BBC, explores why money and power affect male self-esteem, especially in relationships where women earn more than men

Men in relationships where women are the higher earners often face societal stigma, and studies show a higher rate of mental health issues and lower relationship satisfaction in such cases. Contributing factors include the persistence of outdated masculinity norms, lack of male social support networks, and pressure to fulfill a provider role.