Why is it so important to women that men MUST be employed in order to make a relationship work?

In a bad economy, it is important to both women and men that there be a reliable source of income. Bills must be paid, and these days, two incomes are very important. But beyond the conditions of our current economy, a relationship where only one person is responsible for everything and the other person contributes nothing can create resentment.

Most women want to date someone who is employed so that the expenses are shared; in western culture, many things have changed for the better in gender roles, but men still tend to pay for more because they tend to have higher salaries. Thus, women might feel insecure if a man has no income, since the woman's salary might not be enough to pay the expenses (food, entertainment, rent, etc). Women generally are understanding if a man is temporarily out of work and unable to pay for things; but if the man doesn't seem very motivated to do his part, that says to a woman that he might be the wrong person.

Answer

Unless he is independenly wealthy, it shows responsibility for him to have a job. Otherwise, how does he expect to buy food, clothing, pay for housing, etc.