Gendered Relational Work: How gender shapes money attitudes and expectations of young adults

Abstract

We link the theory of gender performance to the perspective on the social meaning of money and relational work. Using longitudinal Panel Study of Income Dynamics data on young adult women and men, ages 18 through 24 in the U.S., we examine survey responses to different money-related situations. We question the expected gendertypical meanings of money, offering a more contextual understanding. Specifically, we find that when asked about the present, young women express that they worry more frequently about money than men do. However, when asked about the future-likelihood of having difficulty with financially supporting one's family and likelihood of having a job that pays well-we find no significant gender differences. Instead, we find expressions of optimism rather than worry by young women and men alike. These results hold when controlling for psychological dispositions, financial obligations, and demographics. Overall, we note the importance of contextually situating "gender effects" in relation to money matters, and call for more sociological research that places gender performance centrally into the analyses of economy and examines gendered relational work across different time orientations.

Gender Differences in Pro-Environmental Behavioral Intentions, Environmental Values, Tolerance of Environmental Protection Cost, and Confidence in Citizen Participation in Environmental Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan

“…With regard to gender differences in tolerance of environmental protection cost, we found that men were more willing to spend more money, while women would rather sacrifice a little of their quality of life. These results reflect the difference in men's and women's attitudes toward money [42], in that women report that they worry more frequently about money than men do [43]. In this regard, everyone can contribute to environmental protection in different ways.…”

Is psychology of money a gendered affair? A scoping review and research agenda

“…On the one hand, several studies found that women are more likely to view money as a source of anxiety and worries (Bandelj et al, 2021; Furnham & Grover, 2020; Furtner et al, 2021; Hayhoe et al, 2012; Oleson, 2004; Pereira & Coelho, 2019; Rimple, 2020; Simanjuntak, 2016). Indeed, women more frequently express distress and worry over money‐related matters and tend to express frustration when talking about it (Falahati & Paim, 2012; Prince, 1993; Rinaldi & Giromini, 2002; Tomek et al, 2013; Wernimont & Fitzpatrick, 1972).…”

“…Consequently, the impact of stereotypic beliefs over money attitudes and behaviors is far from being explored empirically. Indeed, in the financial context, it has been proposed that the traditional gender role prescription ascribes household money management to women, whereas the financial market is mostly seen as a men playing field (Bandelj et al, 2021; Cohen et al, 2019; Kerber, 1988). Nevertheless, such a stereotypic content has not been deeply explored yet.…”

“…as a passport to acquire freedom and autonomy Fenton-O'Creevy andFurnham (2020);Furnham et al (2012);Tang and Gilbert (1995) A female view on money: An ambivalent perspective Women are more anxious while dealing with moneyBandelj et al (2021);Furnham and Grover (2020);Furtner et al (2021);Hayhoe et al (2012);Oleson (2004);Pereira and Coelho (2019);;Simanjuntak (2016) Women have a more negative or ambivalent attitude toward moneyAllen and Gervais (2017);Falahati and Paim (2012);Newcomb and Rabow (1999);;;Tomek et al (2013);Wernimont and Fitzpatrick (1972) Women are more likely to associate money with securityFenton-O'Creevy and Furnham (2021); Furnham (1984); Furnham and Murphy (2019); Rimple (2020); Tatarko and Schmidt (2012) Women tend to be more attentive to budget and to plan for the future Bonsu (2008); Hanashiro et al (2004); Lim et al (2003); Rimple (2020); Tang (1992); Tang et al (2002); Wilhelm et al (1993) Women tend to view money as a symbol of love and to spend money for others Fenton-O'Creevy and Furnham (2020); Furnham and Grover (2020); Furnham and Horne (2021) Women are more likely to cede to temptation Fenton-O'Creevy and Furnham (2020); Lemrová et al (2014); Tang and Sutarso (2013) Women tend to view money as a symbol of freedom Furnham and Horne (2021); Furnham and Murphy (2019) Women are higher on the dimension of powerprestige Shih and Ke (2014); Wilhelm et al (1993) Women are more obsessed with money Tang et al (2006)No differences in money attitudesGeneral absence of gender differences in money attitudesDavison (2014);Fatoki (2015) No differences in experiencing money as a source of anxietyBonsu (2008);Do gan et al (2018);;;Shih and Ke (2014) No differences in experiencing money as a symbol of power;Do gan et al (2018);Furnham (1984);Furnham and Murphy (2019);;;;Tang (1992) No differences in feeling doubtful and inadequate when dealing with money;Furnham (1984);Tatarko and Schmidt (2012); Wilhelm et al…”

Understanding gender differences in money attitudes: biological and psychological gender perspective

“…Furnham (1984) found that while men were more obsessed with money than women, women were more security conscious and conservative than men. Bandelj et al (2021) found that women tend to worry more about money than men. Tang (1992) found that budgeting attitude was found more in females.…”