Ignorance, delusional, or bias, however one may want to look on this topic; it's one that I truly believe is discussed regularly. Now ladies, this is not an attempt to imply that life is any easier for you than it is for us men, but seriously, how far-fetched is this proposed philosophy? Since the beginning, men were deemed the 'protector, provider and the breadwinner'; right?

There have been changes over the last couple decades with women no longer being so dependent on men, and certainly not deemed 'inferior' to hold certain positions in society. Despite the aforementioned, has it changed the role of us men? Perhaps slightly, but not that much.

Here are three major factors that support this philosophy; 'respect', 'ego' and 'relevance'. Men not only need respect but they demand it; a man's ego is probably one of the worst things to tamper with; and finally, for a man to see himself as a real 'man' he must have relevance.

Putting flesh on to bone

To highlight these factors, let's focus a bit on Will Smith's movie The Pursuit of Happiness. Imagine this guy, struggling to take care of himself, much less his wife and son. As time went on, his wife had less 'respect' for him as he was just unable to pay the bills, provide sufficient food and other amenities, while she was working not one or two but three jobs.

The more she reminded him of his failure to 'provide' sufficiently for the family, the more his 'ego' was damaged, as he felt less of a man in protecting and being a true breadwinner. Then the question of his 'relevance' as a man came into play. This was answered when the wife decided he no longer had relevance because she packed up one night and left! She left him with the debt, and burden of feeling as a failure of being a 'man'; imagine that! I guess she forgot about the part in the wedding vows when it said "through thick or thin 'til death do us part".

Unfortunate reality

Regardless of what anyone wants to say, not many women are even prepared to wed until she sees where the money's gonna come from, and hey, I won't dispute that issue, at least not today. Although, fortunately, there was a happy ending in the movie, these are some of the core reasons why a man needs money to stand a chance of holding his mantle as a 'man'. Who knows, this may just be a part of the reason why so many men are involved in illegal activities and find themselves marginalised day by day. How many 'gunwomen' and drug lord women do you see every day or hear about on the news?

Outlook Youth believes the public should have a say on this topic, hence we took to the streets to hear what they had to say.

Original providers

Name: Sean

Age: 22

Essentially, men are seen as the original providers, so we're usually the ones called upon in times of financial need. Another thing is that we don't only require money to cover our needs, but when in search for a 'companion', money increases your chances. Cuz, bwaay, nuh oman these days want a bruk pocket man.

Money to get the woman

Name: Chris

Age: 19

Your parents tell you, "Son, get a good education, be successful, get a wife and have children." So, ultimately, you want money to get the woman. When money done she gone, so you need to keep getting more money. No money = no woman.

Take care of the family

Name: Jessica

Age: 23

As much as I'd love to disagree with the philosophy, I'll admit that because of socialisation and upbringing, there is the belief that men are supposed to take care of the family, etc., and be a man! Also, men generally want to be the breadwinners, and you need money to fulfil that. In a relationship they need money to take care of themselves and, of course, their woman.

Myth attached to men

Name: Kirsten

Age: 21

Well, it's more acceptable and likely that a woman will depend on a man financially. Men are perceived as weak and inadequate if they do not have money. As sad as it may sound, that's just what society dictates.

For the most interesting teen issues and styles, get your copy of Youthlink magazine on news-stands on Tuesday.