Money inside the couple: reflections on egalitarian relationships

Abstract

This article draws upon qualitative data to analyze the ways in which money issues are managed and negotiated inside self-defined ‘egalitarian couples’. This is a key issue inasmuch configures power politics inside couple relationships, and becomes a reflection of economic relations present in society at large. At the same time, economic negotiation —more or less explicit— reveals the obstacles in the pursue of an egalitarian couple relationship. This is a consequence of practical economic negotiations having impact on a symbolic level and vice versa.

The results of this research show that disclosing explicit negotiations on economic management enhances a greater deal of gender equality. However, one of the main deterrents of negotiations inside the couple is the idea of ‘romantic love’, according to which affective bonds and the defense of personal interests are incompatible.