Abstract:

Money in intimate relationships is not only economic but moral. This article argues that in contemporary India, money functions as a gendered test of masculinity and femininity, with women’s financial agency scrutinised more harshly than men’s provider role. Based on a survey of 76 respondents and open-ended responses, the study finds persistent breadwinner expectations, suspicion toward women’s financial selectivity, and continued circulation of the “gold digger” stereotype. Younger and urban respondents, however, show some movement toward more egalitarian views. The article shows that intimate relationships are a site where economic change meets moral regulation, and where gender hierarchy is reproduced even when women participate in paid work. This article looks at how money, gender, and social rules shape marriage and romantic relationships in contemporary India. Instead of viewing money as just neutral math or cash, the study explores how handling money is tied to deep ideas about morality what makes someone a "good husband," "good wife," or "dutiful partner".

Keywords:

Gender, money, intimacy, morality, patriarchy, India.

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Methods