Should a woman be the breadwinner of the family?

by Family Center April 21, 2017

written by Family Center April 21, 2017

133

Traditionally, the man, as head of the family, is expected to lead, provide for and protect his family. This has been his God-given role since creation. But with the passing of time, especially in this jet age where farming is no longer the main source of income for many families, women are gradually taking over, contributing financially in the home.

Without any doubt, most homes in Nigeria have the wives earning more, and most cases they are even the breadwinners. They are not only educated, many have risen very high in their work places and businesses, earning big incomes.

As a result, some husbands have become insecure, unnecessarily aggressive and even abusive. Also, some wives have become arrogant, irresponsible and very domineering. Many couples who did not manage this situation well have either divorced or separated.

Couples have got to learn to see the positive side of the situation. No big deal if a woman earns more than the husband. The big deal is when the man is doing nothing at all to support his family.

The wife should not be out there all day working to cater for the family and then gets back home to prepare food, clean the house, check the children’s books, etc. Meanwhile, the husband has been home all day, probably watching television and sleeping. That is injustice.

Every husband should avoid becoming a houseboy in his own house. There are too many houseboy-husbands these days. That you lost your job does not mean you should surrender and give up on life. When a man falls, he gets up, dusts himself, figures out what made him to fall, learns not to fall that way again and moves on. If one door closes, recreate yourself and move on to other doors.

Granted, the economic situation in Nigeria is very unhelpful in men’s efforts to be breadwinners, but there should be no retreat or surrender. Some husbands like the comfort zone provided by their wives too much and make no effort to be economically productive. If you are that type, you should accept any shit thrown at you.