I think society has made this more important to MEN than women. Most women I know would agree only because we have seen so many guys go violent when they feel they are the "weaker one" or "not providing" for the family. Until the norm changes (which probably won't happen in our lifetimes) it's going to be that way. I'd never want to make more than my fiancé because I know he couldn't handle it. I don't think it makes him weak or anything - but it's so hardwired into him to "be a man" that he doesn't know any other way. If I ever DO make more I'm going to put a bigger chunk in my 401k IRA so it's "hidden" from my paychecks and we get the bulk of it when I retire; by then, he'll be so old he won't care.