The simplest explanation which covers both reported lesbian premiums and gay male penalties on earnings is that social pressure exists for the man in a heterosexual relationship to take on the responsibility of being the main earner. Even without kids, the bias is towards the woman being the most likely person to cut back on their hours, take time out of work or at least not push their career quite so hard if the household doesn&#x27;t need two full time incomes, and the man being the person to take on additional workload or push for a higher-paying role if the household is struggling to make ends meet.