Controversy About 50/50 Couples: “Can’t Pay the Mortgage This Month” Trend Has Social Media Talking

December 12, 2024 5

Source: Image Source / Getty

A 50/50 couple refers to a couple who splits expenses and responsibilities (i.e. bills, housework, childcare, etc.)

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The controversy about 50/50 partnerships always seems to spark a widespread debate. Advocates of this dynamic argue that this type of arrangement fosters equality and fairness, while critics say splitting costs equally can feel transactional, stripping away romantic notions of care and sacrifice. As society becomes increasingly more progressive, this relationship style continues to garner even more mixed opinions.

Here A 3 Things To Consider When Deciding if 50/50 Works For You:

Cultural and Traditional Expectations

Cultural norms and traditional gender roles play a significant role in this debate. In many of the world’s societies, men are expected to be the primary providers—especially when it comes to maintaining large household/family expenses such as the mortgage/rent. In America, this view is also traditional for Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), who inevitably passed down this ideology. During their era of starting and growing families, “women felt tremendous societal pressure to focus their aspirations on a wedding ring” (PBS.org). Although women could work some jobs at the time, it was standard for them to be stay-at-home wives while husbands took care of all expenses.

Many women (and men) of today, however, seek to move towards complete equality in their relationships—arguing that men and women should bring the same things to the table.

@jennkparks

Honey, I can’t pay the mortgage this month #prank #fyp #money #house @Jason T Parks

♬ original sound – Jennifer Parks

@missrass1

We both contribute. I usually pay the bills, he usually cleans the house. Overall, we share all responsibilities. #cantpaythemortgage #cantpaytherent #viralvideo #trending #mortgageprank #mortgage #husbandprank #prank #trending #creatorsearchinsights #5050 #5050relationships

♬ original sound – MARQUEE

Income Comparisons

Some argue that going 50/50 overlooks the reality of unequal income levels between partners (especially in an inflated economy). For instance, if one partner earns significantly more than the other, expecting to split everything down the middle can create financial strain on the lower-earning partner. This imbalance could potentially foster feelings of resentment or inadequacy.

@queencitytrends

I never knew it was on auto pay but maybe I should buy a new house #browngirl #browntiktok #momsoftiktok #momsover30 #hubbywifey #myfamily #myhusband #mortgage #myman

♬ original sound – Vidya

@sikicoco

#mortgage #prank

♬ original sound – siki

Emotional Labor

The focus on splitting costs often ignores other aspects of a relationship, such as emotional support and invisible labor. Tasks like planning meals, remembering important dates, and managing household logistics often fall disproportionately on women, even in 50/50 relationships. In this case, partners must determine—based on the nuances of their relationship— if financial equality actually equates to overall fairness.

@yadiragoodwin

all he could do was laugh excuse my voice, I’m recovering from cov!d #prankvideo #marriedlife #marriedlifehumor #couplecomedy #trending #mortgagepayment

♬ original sound – Yadira