Financial Neglect in Marriage: A Qualitative Study of Wife lived Experiences of husband’s economic irresponsible behavior.

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of wives facing economic abuse within marriage, particularly when husbands fail to fulfill their financial responsibilities toward their spouses and children. Economic abuse is conceptualized as financial deprivation, neglect of basic needs, and the exercise of patriarchal control within marital relationships. A qualitative research design was employed, and data were collected through six in-depth semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis approach. The analysis identified several major themes, including husbands’ financial irresponsible behavior, psychological and emotional consequences for wives, patriarchal authority and gender inequality, sociocultural constraints, women’s resilience and desire for autonomy, and the need for structural and marital reform. Participants described experiencing emotional distress, psychological burden, and diminished well-being due to ongoing economic neglect. Many women continued to tolerate these circumstances because of societal expectations, cultural pressures, and limited opportunities for independence. The findings also indicate that economic abuse adversely affects children’s emotional and developmental well-being. Overall, the study highlights economic abuse as a multidimensional form of domestic abuse with significant psychological, emotional, and social consequences. The findings emphasize the importance of societal awareness, supportive interventions, and policy reforms to promote women’s empowerment, marital accountability, and family well-being.