More than seven in 10 (71%) of Gen Z (18-24 years old) men believe that males should be the primary breadwinner in a relationship, Starling Bank has found.

In a survey of 3,000 UK adults in co-habiting relationships, this compares to just 14% of men aged 65 and over.

The research also revealed that 58% of Gen Z men believe that a man in a heterosexual relationship may feel "emasculated" if their partner were to earn more than them.

Gen Z women are less likely to agree, with one in five (20%) in the same age group believing that a man should be the primary breadwinner, and just 16% agreeing that a man being out-earned by a female partner could be emasculating.

Although there is the case that many young men feel pressured to provide in relationships, research by Starling Bank revealed that Gen Z couples are more likely to split their relationship expenses equally (73%), more than any other age group, which averages at 53%.

For many expenses, young women are the primary payers, with 29% of Gen Z respondents saying that in their relationship, the woman pays for all or most of the cost of joint holidays for example, compared to 28% of men.

Furthermore, 35% of women pay all or most of the cost of a weekly food shop, compared to 26% of men.

Family finance expert at Starling Bank, Rachel Kerrone, said: "It is clear that among young people, there is a disconnect between the pressures men feel to provide, and the reality of being able to do so at an age where they’re making their way and figuring things out in adult life.

"Couples that pay together, stay together, so we’d advise young people to have an honest chat about financial fairness, to ensure they are both happy with the situation and value of what each contributes, regardless of gender. A free joint account can be a great way of having more transparency around money with very little effort. Real time spending notifications and shared pots of savings goals are just some of the more useful features that can help."

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