Feisty Women; Feisty Opinion: Women Can Earn More Than Men. Period.

Is women earning more than men a problem? With the prevalent male ego and patriarchy, it surely is to a large extent even today. Women were never imagined as those who would bring money to the house. Now that women can earn more than men, it is beyond society's imagination. It's time to wake up from the slumber of patriarchal conditioning because women are here with money and power huge enough to bridge the gap between what was and what is. 

Indeed, the workforce participation of women is still low. Many women still do not have the freedom and access to employment. However, the women who cross these hurdles and enter the workforce, turn the tables by breaking glass ceilings. Their hard work, dedication and determination are unmatchable. Women who rarely get to prove their skills grab every opportunity to outshine the men in the workforce. Through the gleaming success of their career, women undo the subjugation they had to face for years. And it is these women whose struggles and success stories encourage other women to break the doors of patriarchy and fly. 

Rhea Kapoor on male-led society

Talking about the stereotype of how many men get offended by women who earn more than them, Indian film Producer Rhea Kapoor told SheThePeople, "It's been a male-led society for so long. But has anybody ever asked a girl 'Do you feel bad that your husband or father earns more than your mother?'" They added that now when women are into action are earning more, people ask "Is it hard?" and Kapoor's scathing reply to such questions is "You know...I don't care!"

Kapoor made a very valid point. Society has normalised men earning more than women. So women never question or ponder upon the idea that they too can earn and earn more than men. Rather, they inhibit themselves so that men are not hurt or ashamed. But if women realise this potential of earning more and normalising it, their individual development will be boosted. They will no longer sacrifice their dreams and capabilities just to serve the male ego.

Bhumi Pednekar shattering male ego

Speaking of male ego, actor Bhumi Pednekar talked about buying a diamond ring for herself. She said, "I wore the ring to a party. And every person there started congratulating me and asking who gave me this ring. I said I bought it myself." 

Pednekar further added, "Nobody could believe that I can buy myself a diamond ring. Is it a norm that only men are supposed to gift a woman a diamond ring? No. I earn my own money and I am successful. I don't need a man to put a ring on my finger. I can do it by myself." 

Hence, Pednekar shattered the male ego that thrived on the belief that women are supposed to be pampered. That women need their support for everything. That women are not independent. 

But from where does this male ego emerge? Are men born with it? Or are they trained to internalise it? In our society, it is okay for a woman to ask for money from a man. But if a man asks for money from a woman, it is considered a shame. Such men are shamed for not being good enough to pay for their expenses and their partners' 

Dolly Singh on men and patriarchy

Influencer and actor, Dolly Singh talked about how patriarchy affects men. She said, "Men are conditioned to believe that you are a 'mard' and so you have to earn and run the house. Your wife cannot earn more than you. This conditioning of men (and the pressure it builds) often leads to hatred for women or wives earning more than them."

Adding further, Singh said, "A lot of unlearning has to be done by males too. It doesn't matter who earns more. Money is ultimately coming to the house." 

Men in our society don't accept underqualified women. But they feel threatened by over-qualified women. What do men want? A pinch of unlearning maybe? 

Views expressed are the author's own.