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Breadwinners

and other power imbalances that influence your life

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Breadwinners

By: Melissa Hogenboom
Narrated by: Melissa Hogenboom
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About this listen

Huge social changes occurring in real time are leading us to rethink traditional roles in our homes, workplaces and in society. So why do women who outearn their male partners still tend to do more housework and childcare? Why are unemployed men generally happier if their female partners are also unemployed? Why is unpaid labour still seen as a less important contribution than paid work within family units?

In Breadwinners, award-winning science journalist Melissa Hogenboom interviews dozens of female breadwinners, stay-at-home dads and same-sex couples, comparing their stories to the latest research to demonstrate the consequences of changing dynamics. She reveals how pursuing and maintaining power is a key part of every human interaction, affecting every area of our lives. Breadwinners shows how, the closer we look, the easier it is to see the influence of power structures all around us. Ultimately, it gives listeners the tools to address imbalances and improve our relationships at home and at work.

If we can share power more equally, we can improve not only our own wellbeing but also recognise how to dismantle social structures that are seemingly set in stone.

©2025 Melissa Hogenboom (P)2025 Canongate Books Ltd
Personal Development Personal Success Social Change

Critic reviews

Melissa Hogenboom is a brilliant science writer and Breadwinners is the top of her game. I love her strong authorial voice and her nuanced analysis of the scientific literature. I can think of no one better to examine power dynamics at home and in the workplace, and to bring this fascinating research to a wide audience (DAVID ROBSON)
[Melissa Hogenboom is] a really exciting thinker who has that wonderful ability to take lots of information . . . and then clarify in a way that makes it open and digestible (SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR)
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