Archive · 28 Sep 2025
Women Breadwinners: A New Model in Swift & Kelce's Engagement
Many people are noticing that in some relationships, women are earning more money than their husbands.
For a long time, this was seen as unusual, but now it's becoming more common as women have greater success at work.
One example is singer Taylor Swift, who is richer than her football-playing boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Studies show more women are now the main earners in their families.
Some couples are fine with this, seeing it as a game.
Others are not, showing up on social media.
It's a big shift in how people view marriage and money.
The engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce highlights women earning more than their partners.
The percentage of women who outearn their husbands has risen over the past few decades.
The share of couples where earnings are roughly equal has also increased.
Women who are financially independent may be more likely to seek a divorce if unhappy.
Some individuals still adhere to traditional gender roles, with men as primary earners.
- Who
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, along with other couples.
- What
- The changing dynamics of heterosexual marriages, where women outearn their husbands.
- When
- The trend has been growing, with the 2023 study cited.
- Where
- Across the United States, highlighted in the San Francisco Bay Area and Arlington, VA.
- Why
- As women advance professionally, some couples are comfortable with the woman earning more; others still find it controversial.
Acceptance of Changing Roles
Traditional Gender Roles
Financial Contribution
Acceptance of Changing Roles
Couples may be comfortable with the woman earning more.
Traditional Gender Roles
Some prefer traditional roles where men are primary earners.
- Study Finding
- Share of women out-earning husbands up from 3% (1970s) to 10% (2023)
- Husbands & Wives Earning Roughly Equal
- 29% of couples (decade increase of 6%)
- Taylor Swift's Earnings
- Achieved billionaire status (2023)
- Travis Kelce's Earnings
- More than $34 million from Kansas City Chiefs contract
- Layla Janbaz's Income
- More than $175,000/year