Alimony, or spousal support, is not about one person winning and the other losing—it’s a legal right aimed at ensuring fairness after a marriage ends. Yet, every time the topic comes up, especially in public discussions or social media, there’s a strong reaction—mostly from men—about how it’s unfair or outdated.

But let’s break it down simply. In many marriages, one partner may give up or reduce their career to manage the household, raise children, or support their spouse’s goals. When that marriage ends, the law recognizes that this person shouldn’t be left with nothing—especially when the other partner has become financially stronger during that time. That’s where alimony comes in.

The idea isn’t to punish one person but to balance out financial inequalities created during the marriage. It’s especially important in societies like ours where even now, women are expected to make more compromises in married life.

So why does it make people uncomfortable? Often, it comes down to outdated beliefs about gender roles and financial independence. Some people assume women seek alimony out of greed rather than need. But in reality, it’s about giving recognition to unpaid labor—emotional, physical, and practical—that often goes unnoticed.

Alimony isn’t always permanent, and it’s not automatic. Courts look at many factors before deciding, including each partner’s income, age, work history, and the length of the marriage.

Maybe instead of questioning why women receive alimony, we should ask why unpaid contributions in a marriage are still undervalued.