New data released by the Census Bureau shows that in 2008, single, childless women between the ages of 22 and 30 made more money than their male peers in major U.S. cities.  “It’s a very humbling realization, when you come to realize that you are not the breadwinner,” said Aaron Traister, on today’s show. Listeners had much to say in response to our question of whether this makes for a generation of “failed males.”

On our website:

Breeann from Miami, Fla.: 

If the concern is simply that women are now making more than men, why does this have to mean that men have failed? I find it incredibly irritating that just as we women are catching up, we're at the same time being told to put on the brakes to keep our male counterparts from feeling "equivalent" rather than "superior." I also find it irritating that it is assumed a female driven power dynamic is necessarily going to work the same way as the old male power dynamic, resulting in the subjugation of men. Yes, there is an amazing shift in the male-female income and power dynamic, but this doesn't mean that men are failing because women are succeeding. Instead, it likely means that we have the opportunity to begin including men in areas that have been traditionally female-dominated (e.g. children, taking care of the home, care giving) and can foster stronger family ties and a workplace that reflects the views of both men AND women. This is not a bad thing.

Megan W from Ferndale, MI:

As a woman, I take offense to the terminology 'failed male'. Why would a man who makes less than his female peer be a failure? After all, we wouldn't consider a woman a failure for making less than a man. To me, a failure is someone who doesn't try to achieve their dreams. Success and failure have nothing to do with how much money you make.

Martha Culver from Boston, MA:

I work in the private sector and make twice as much as my husband, a teacher, and he's thrilled. He says he's glad I can keep him in the style to which he's become accustomed! Not every guy has ego issues over salary...

You weighed in via text message:

From Miami, FL: Yes women shall rule the world. No glass ceiling for us when we are the boss.

From Columbia, SC: I am 30 bust my hump everyday and I earn a good living. If a woman earns as much as me I say God Bless America. That great progress I do not consider it a fail on my part.

A.J. from Oklahoma: I’m 23 and I don’t know any girls my age that earn more than me.

Scott from Detroit, MI: My wife earns more than me as a doctor, but I wouldn't say I've "failed" as a criminal defense attorney/public defender.

And on Facebook:

Elissa Clemons:

Although young women have increased their earning potential in the 22 to 30 age range, I can't help but to wonder how this affects their overall wage status compared to their male counterparts. Are there significant differences when we factor in race? Are all Americans regardless of race, class or economic levels "raising" our daughters and "spoiling" our sons?

As always, thanks for the thoughtful comments!  Keep the conversation going on The Takeaway website, call in to 877-8-MYTAKE, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.