Money & Masculinity: Scott Galloway & Ed Elson on What Defines a Man
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Prof G Markets, Scott Galloway and Ed Elson dive deep into the complex relationship between money and modern masculinity. (08:28) The discussion stems from viral critiques of Galloway's book "Notes on Being a Man," particularly around his emphasis on economic viability as a component of masculinity. Galloway responds to a therapist's criticism that his approach weaponizes shame and reduces manhood to "winning capitalism," while exploring how financial stability intersects with dating, relationships, and male identity in America's capitalist society.
- The episode examines how economic pressure disproportionately affects young men's self-worth and dating prospects, while distinguishing Galloway's philosophy from toxic "manosphere" ideologies that seek to dominate rather than support women.
Speakers
Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway is a professor of marketing at NYU Stern School of Business and the author of the New York Times bestseller "Notes on Being a Man." He's a serial entrepreneur who has founded multiple companies and serves as a board member at various organizations. Galloway is also the host of several podcasts and a frequent commentator on business and societal issues, known for his provocative takes on masculinity, economics, and technology's impact on society.
Ed Elson
Ed Elson is the co-host of Prof G Markets and works with Prof G Media. He serves as Galloway's co-host and conversation partner, bringing thoughtful questions and perspectives to discussions about business, economics, and social issues. Elson helps guide conversations and challenges Galloway's viewpoints in productive ways.
Key Takeaways
Economic Viability Remains Central to Male Identity
Despite evolving gender roles, research consistently shows that men are disproportionately evaluated based on their economic potential compared to women. (19:31) Studies reveal that divorce rates double when women earn more than their male partners, and men with higher incomes receive ten times more attention on dating apps. This isn't about greed—it's about how society has structured masculinity around the provider role. For ambitious professionals, this means developing a concrete financial plan and demonstrating economic trajectory, even if you're not destined to be wealthy. The key is showing you can contribute meaningfully to a partnership's financial stability.
The "Surplus Value" Framework for True Manhood
Galloway introduces the concept of "surplus value" as the ultimate measure of manhood—creating more economic, emotional, and social value than you consume. (78:48) This means generating more tax revenue than you absorb in public services, providing more comfort and guidance than you receive, and noticing others' lives while adding genuine value to them. Many people die without ever becoming men or women in this sense because they never transition from being net consumers to net contributors. For professionals, this framework provides a clear metric: Are you leaving every situation, relationship, and interaction better than you found it?
Money Signals Deeper Character Traits
The attraction to financial success isn't superficial—it often indicates discipline, reliability, and future-orientation that make someone a better partner. (59:02) When someone demonstrates economic success, they're typically showing they can delay gratification, work consistently toward goals, and handle responsibility. However, this differs dramatically from simply having inherited wealth or getting lucky with investments. The process of building financial stability develops character traits that are genuinely attractive for long-term partnerships. This is why a vocational school graduate with a solid plan often outcompetes a crypto millionaire in relationship value.
Providing Takes Multiple Forms in Modern Relationships
While economic provision remains important, modern masculinity must expand to include emotional and logistical support, especially as women achieve greater financial independence. (25:18) When Galloway's partner earned more at Goldman Sachs, he stepped up with childcare and domestic responsibilities. The key insight is that relationships are transactions where both partners must contribute value. As women no longer feel economically trapped, men must offer comprehensive partnership value—not just a paycheck. This means developing emotional intelligence, domestic skills, and the ability to support a partner's career ambitions.
Break Free from Victim Mindset to Build Real Connections
The growing "incel" movement represents a dangerous shift from involuntary to voluntary celibacy, where young men choose isolation over the work required for relationships. (50:18) Galloway shares his own experience being an "incel" until 19, then working systematically to improve himself through fitness, social skills, and developing genuine kindness. The antidote to loneliness isn't blaming society or women—it's taking concrete action: pursuing vocational training, joining community groups, developing social skills, and building genuine character. The goal isn't just sex but meaningful human connection, which requires vulnerability and consistent effort.
Statistics & Facts
- The divorce rate doubles when women in relationships start making more money than men, and the use of erectile dysfunction drugs triples in these situations. (15:34) This statistic was mentioned by Galloway to illustrate how economic dynamics within relationships directly impact both relationship stability and male psychological health.
- Men who list higher incomes on dating apps receive 10 times more profile visits than men with lower listed incomes, while the reverse is not true for women. (19:55) This demonstrates the disproportionate role that economic status plays in male dating success compared to female dating success.
- 75% of women say economic viability is key when selecting a mate, compared to only 25% of men who prioritize this factor. (38:33) This statistic highlights the gender disparity in how financial stability influences partner selection, supporting Galloway's argument about the economic pressures facing men in the dating market.
