Needy couples got cash and a spending plan. Results were good — and bad

Since the early 2000s, cash transfer programs have been used to help lift families out of poverty by providing them with funds to cover basic needs or invest in income-generating activities. In Liberia, a country with significant gender inequality, these programs typically target women to give them economic control. However, this approach has sometimes led to dissatisfaction among men who feel excluded. To address this, Liberia, with support from the World Bank and GiveDirectly, launched a new initiative where both partners receive equal cash transfers and are encouraged to make joint financial decisions. This experiment aimed to increase family income and reduce household tensions, particularly in a country where intimate partner violence is prevalent. In 2022, over 2,300 households received $750 in installments, with some participating in joint financial planning. The results, released in July, highlight the potential benefits of this approach in fostering cooperation and reducing conflict within families. QUESTION: How might equal cash transfers to both partners change the dynamics in a household and impact the overall well-being of the family?