Why Are Women Ashamed To Admit They Are More Successful Than Their Spouses?

In today's economy many women are earning more than their husbands and becoming breadwinners of the family. According to a Pew Research Center analysis in 2013, 4 in 10 american households have women as the sole provider or breadwinner. These women should be proud of their achievements and successful careers but research show most women are ashamed to admit they earn more than their spouses. So why are women toiling hard yet ashamed to openly acknowledge they are more successful than their husbands? For me, it boils down to gender programming; for centuries, women have been taught directly or inadvertently that it is a man's duty to provide for his family while they are meant to "support" him. So even when we are bringing home the bacon, we feel obliged to protect his ego thus masking our success.

Personally I believe in most cases where the woman is the breadwinner especially for a prolonged period, it may not end well. Not every man has the self confidence to support a woman who is more successful. For this dynamic to work, the man must be selfless and accept the role reversal without any misgiving. He must be supportive and not feel emasculated. Where I come from, I do not know many men like that. What do you think?