These Subtle Cultural Scripts Probably Shaped Your Money Habits
Apr 3, 2024
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Writer Elise Loehnen delves into how cultural scripts like 'sloth' and 'greed' influence our money behaviors. She uncovers the societal norms dictating our attitudes towards wealth and work, challenging traditional gender roles. The discussion explores the complex relationship between women and money, highlighting conflicting emotions and ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, the podcast unravels the deep-rooted influence of cultural scripts on our financial mindsets.
Cultural scripts influence money attitudes, challenging societal norms.
Seven deadly sins' origins impact financial behaviors and philanthropy, shaping perceptions and values.
Deep dives
Unconscious Impact of Greed and Sloth on Money and Work
The podcast delves into how societal beliefs surrounding greed and sloth unconsciously influence women's relationships with money and work. It highlights the roots of these perceptions in culture and religion, stressing the mirroring of the seven deadly sins with financial behaviors like envy, sloth, and gluttony. The guest, Elise Loonan, challenges traditional gendered roles and discusses the societal pressures on women to deny themselves to an extreme degree, disconnecting them from their instincts and desires.
Origins of Seven Deadly Sins and Impact on Money
The podcast explores the historical origins of the seven deadly sins, initially outlined by a fourth-century monk and later codified by Pope Gregory I. These virtues were meant to discourage hoarding and encourage generosity, laying the foundation for philanthropy. The discussion highlights the disconnect between the original intent of the sins and how they have been internalized in society, particularly for women, shaping their perceptions of wealth and goodness.
Gendered Roles in Financial Decision-Making
The conversation touches on societal expectations and gendered dynamics in financial decision-making, drawing parallels between economic precarity and the resurgence of fantasies like the 'stay-at-home girlfriend' concept. It reflects on the pressure for women to contribute to the economy as part of their civic duty, contrasting the historical realities of economic independence with traditional gender roles and the impact on women's financial autonomy.
Finding Balance in Money Relationships
The podcast advocates for restoring balance in attitudes towards money, drawing parallels to the overstocking of goods during scarcity-induced panic. It explores the complexity of viewing money as both abundant energy and a limited resource, addressing the need to reconcile sustainability with economic growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning financial practices with environmental and social sustainability for a more balanced and equitable future.
Writer Elise Loehnen (“On Our Best Behavior”) joined me to explore how our money stories make us spend, work, and live. Distinct cultural scripts shape our relationship with money, like “sloth” and “greed” or the idea that “a man should be a provider.” Even if you’re not consciously abiding by this societal shorthand, Elise says, it probably influences your attitudes.