Men are supposed to shoulder all responsibilities. As a woman, my man has to cater to my needs.” Sound familiar right? This mindset has often painted women as materialistic, with nothing to offer but “billing” men for everything. But is that really true?
Materialism is about placing value on material things and physical comfort over emotional, spiritual, or intellectual growth. So, with that in mind, can we still say that only women are materialistic?
In today’s fast-paced world, materialism has become more than just a habit—it’s a lifestyle that’s taken over every corner of society. For men, success is often measured by their assets and the money in their account. Once they become aware of what their peers are achieving, the materialism in them kicks in. It’s no longer just about being comfortable; it’s about having more, owning more, and showing more.
As for women, while we now see many women doing well for themselves, the idea that men are the sole providers still lingers from the past. It was once common for a woman to get married and have her husband take on all the financial responsibilities, which led to the stereotype that “women are materialistic and all they know is billing.” But let’s be real, everyone who aspires to be a better version of themselves is, in some way, materialistic. Whether you’re a man or a woman, the drive for money and a comfortable life is often what pushes many to work hard. The truth is, materialism isn’t a gender thing—it’s a human thing.
These gendered expectations aren’t just about having things—they’re about keeping up appearances. Society has created this pressure for both men and women to fit into certain molds. Men feel the pressure to be successful providers, and women feel the need to live up to beauty and fashion standards. The result? A constant hustle to maintain these images.
This pressure can push people in different directions. On the positive side, it might motivate someone to work harder and achieve more. But for others, the drive to maintain a certain lifestyle can lead to negative choices such as cutting corners or engaging in illegal activities just to “keep up.” And this is why we see so many criminal cases in the news today.
At the end of the day, it’s important for people to live within their means. Letting society determine who you are and what you should be can lead to a life of frustration and stress. You don’t need to follow the crowd to find happiness. At the end of it all, you only have YOU and that’s enough.
So, what do you think? Are men really the only ones who “shoulder” all the responsibilities? Are women really just about “billing”? Or is materialism a universal drive that affects us all? Join us this Friday to discuss these questions on the Veegilants Podcast, available on Veegil Media via YouTube and Spotify.
