More about Breadwinners - and a cover reveal
Good morning and welcome back to routine, for those of you who have juggled childcare, camps, leave and, hopefully a bit of relaxing.
Today I have an exciting update to share. I haven’t talked much yet about my upcoming book, save for snippers of findings here or there (or a lot more for those of you know know me IRL…), but today I can reveal the cover and will also soon be sharing more behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process as well as findings I discovered but didn’t have space for in the book (I had to trim a mere 10,000 words…)
I’ll also be sharing some conversations with contributors which I still think about today, unveiling how much we are grappling with the tussle of power dynamics in our daily life all the time. I spoke with dozens of experts, as well as individuals about their earnings, roles at home and power balance in their relationships. Cover of Breadwinners and synopsis below. I’d love to hear what you think.
The closer we look, the easier it is to the easier it is to see the influence of power structures all power structures all around us.
These structures are so ingrained in how we operate in the world that we don’t often stop to question them or realise how they affect us. For example:
Why does earning less affect a man’s sense of self?
Why do narcissistic leaders still get ahead?
Why are female breadwinners still the project managers of the household?
Combining scientific research with real-world testimonies, this book gives readers the tools and knowledge to address imbalances and improve our relationships at home and at work.
If you are interested, you can already pre-order now (also available here and here). Anyone familiar with publishing knows that pre-orders make a huge difference in how book sellers promote and acquire new books, and how they are promoted on online algorithms - and it will arrive on your doorstep on the day of publication. Of course I am biased, but I do truly think the book will change your outlook, as well as help you overcome power imbalances in your own life.
Here’s the summary from the online page:
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.
Breadwinners is out in August 2025 - The pre order link is NOW LIVE, if you are interested in the topic, please consider a pre-order, it makes such a difference to authors.
The Motherhood Complex is available from most book stores. Read it? I would love to know what you think, or even better, leave me an Amazon review (you can do this regardless of where it was bought) - this really helps first time authors like me.
Questions or comments? You can reply to this post or I’m on Instagram, X and Facebook