Money Management and Partnerships among Gay Couples

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze money management and partnerships among gay couples on the basis of interview research and to examine (1) the characteristics of money management among gay couples in comparison with lesbian couples, (2) relationships between patterns of money management and equal partnerships, and (3) the impact of discrimination against gay men and lesbians on money management and family life among gay couples. The analysis shows that (1) an independent management system is a typical pattern of money management among gay couples, while a shared management system is one of the typical patterns among lesbian couples, (2) independence of money management does not necessarily guarantee equal partnerships, and (3) discrimination against gay men and lesbians is one of the factors that cause individualized life among gay couples.