Has The Society Diminished The Value Of Boy Child Unless He Has Money?
The Mt Kenya Times 
Young homeless african man in the streets outdoors
By: Elijah Maingi
Worth Noting:
- The devaluation of the male child becomes even more pronounced in the context of marriage. Traditionally, men were expected to be the primary providers for their families, a role that is still ingrained in societal expectations. As women have rightfully pursued and achieved greater professional success, the dynamics of marriage have evolved. However, the traditional expectation that a man should out-earn his spouse persists in many societal narratives.
- In an interview with Mercy Mutheu, a video vixen and a student at Technical University of Kenya, she shared her perspective on the matter affirming that men should be the primary providers.
In contemporary society, there exists a pervasive and concerning trend that has subtly but significantly devalued the male child, often associating his worth with financial success, this is from two different interviews which we have had with two youths of opposite gender.
This phenomenon is particularly evident in various aspects of life, including the dating scene, marriage dynamics, and societal expectations. While gender roles have evolved over time, the link between a man’s value and his financial standing remains entrenched in cultural norms and societal expectations.
The dating landscape has undergone considerable transformations in recent decades, yet the emphasis on financial success as a measure of a man’s worth persists. Many societal norms subtly communicate the notion that a man’s attractiveness is closely tied to his financial stability. The pressure to provide a certain lifestyle or to be the primary breadwinner can weigh heavily on men, influencing their self-esteem and relationships.
In a recent interview with Charles Matheka, a young man who is yet to get into marriage life, we discussed the ongoing emphasis on financial success in the dating scene. Matheka expressed frustration with societal norms that still tie a man’s value to financial stability. Despite changes in dating trends, he noted the persistent expectation for men to be primary breadwinners, impacting self-esteem and relationships. He called for a more progressive and equitable approach, advocating for shared responsibilities and moving away from traditional gender roles. Charles believed that emphasizing qualities like empathy and communication, rather than financial success, would lead to healthier connections.
From Matheka’s point of view, in a society that values material success, men may find themselves navigating a complex dating environment where their financial status becomes a focal point. This emphasis can lead to a hypercompetitive atmosphere, where individuals are judged based on their earning potential rather than their character, values, or emotional intelligence.
The devaluation of the male child becomes even more pronounced in the context of marriage. Traditionally, men were expected to be the primary providers for their families, a role that is still ingrained in societal expectations. As women have rightfully pursued and achieved greater professional success, the dynamics of marriage have evolved. However, the traditional expectation that a man should out-earn his spouse persists in many societal narratives.
In an interview with Mercy Mutheu, a video vixen and a student at Technical University of Kenya, she shared her perspective on the matter affirming that men should be the primary providers. She acknowledged the evolving dynamics of marriage with women achieving greater professional success but expressed concern that the expectation for men to out-earn their spouses still persists. She emphasized that mean are just escaping the reality of being the providers and ladies being submissive. Mutheu adds that if there will be a fifty fifty share of responsibilities between husband and wife, then the responsibilities should extend further to house chores.
These expectations can create a strain on relationships, fostering feelings of inadequacy and pressure on men to meet certain financial benchmarks. It also perpetuates the idea that a man’s value is contingent on his ability to accumulate wealth, potentially overshadowing qualities such as emotional support, communication skills, and shared responsibilities within a partnership.
Beyond dating and marriage, societal expectations place a disproportionate emphasis on financial success as a measure of a man’s worth. These expectations can manifest in various ways, from career choices to societal status. The societal narrative often reinforces the idea that a man’s value is synonymous with his earning potential, overshadowing other dimensions of his identity and contribution to the community.
This devaluation of the male child without substantial financial success perpetuates harmful stereotypes and restricts individuals from fully exploring their passions and potentials. It also reinforces rigid gender norms that limit the choices and aspirations of men, hindering the broader goal of achieving gender equality.
From the writers point of view, the devaluation of the male child without financial success is a complex and multifaceted issue deeply ingrained in societal expectations. It impacts various aspects of life, from dating and marriage dynamics to broader societal expectations. To address this issue, it is essential to challenge and reshape cultural norms that equate a man’s worth solely with his financial achievements. Embracing a more holistic understanding of individual value, acknowledging diverse contributions, and promoting gender equality are crucial steps toward fostering a society where the worth of a male child is not diminished by financial factors.
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