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The must-read book on how to address the power dynamics in your work, life and love by award-winning science journalist Melissa Hogenboom
A NEW SCIENTIST BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK OF 2025
Huge social changes occurring in real time are leading us to rethink traditional roles in our homes, workplaces and in society. So why do women who outearn their male partners still tend to do more housework and childcare? Why are unemployed men generally happier if their female partners are also unemployed? Why is unpaid labour still seen as a less important contribution than paid work within family units?
In Breadwinners, award-winning science journalist Melissa Hogenboom interviews dozens of female breadwinners, stay-at-home dads and same-sex couples, comparing their stories to the latest research to demonstrate the consequences of changing dynamics. She reveals how pursuing and maintaining power is a key part of every human interaction, affecting every area of our lives. Breadwinners shows how, the closer we look, the easier it is to see the influence of power structures all around us. Ultimately, it gives readers the tools to address imbalances and improve our relationships at home and at work.
If we can share power more equally, we can improve not only our own wellbeing but also recognise how to dismantle social structures that are seemingly set in stone.
“Fascinating and enraging … A sharp, evidence-based account of how stereotypes and invisible imbalances influence everything from who empties the dishwasher to who advances at work. Fair warning: it will make you angry – and rightly so”
new Scientist
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“Gender trumps money - and it’s time for this to change. This book is a factual companion for women looking to change the conversation around how they work, live and prosper”
Debbie Wosskow Obe
“Mind-blowing … This book lifts the veil on how we all consciously - and subconsciously - approach power and what we can do to make our own lives and relationships better. Absolutely unmissable”
stylist
“If I’d understood the weight of the invisible work I was doing as a breadwinner and young mother— if I’d had a book like this — I might have spoken up sooner, especially to myself”
Mary Portas
“The private arrangements governing how couples divide finances, housework and careers is, for many of us, an endlessly fascinating topic. In this thoughtful book, journalist Melissa Hogenboom turns it into a more profound lens through which to view power dynamics in society, business and beyond”
financial Times
Melissa Hogenboom
Melissa Hogenboom is an award-winning science journalist, filmmaker and editor at the BBC. She makes and commissions films and writes articles on a range of topics including psychology, neuroscience, human evolution and health. She is currently a health correspondent and commissioning executive at BBC Studios. Her journalism has been recognised by multiple awards, including the Webby Awards, Drum Awards, AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards, Telly Awards and Association of British Science Writers Awards. She is a New America fellow and the author of two books, The Motherhood Complex and Breadwinners.
melissahogenboom.com | @melissa_hogenboom