Hogenboom investigates questions such as why women who earn more than their male partners can still perform more housework and childcare, why unpaid domestic labour is often undervalued, and how financial circumstances affect relationships and wellbeing. She combines scientific research with interviews with female breadwinners, stay-at-home fathers and same-sex couples to explore how traditional gender expectations continue to influence everyday life.

Rather than simply describing these inequalities, Breadwinners offers practical ways to recognize power imbalances and create fairer relationships at home and at work. It draws on research from psychology, sociology and related sciences while remaining accessible to a general readership.