I've recently realized that some Beta provider types use their own style of dread game to keep women. Since we have kids I still have to deal with my ex-wife. I've been noticing her new guy is very good at using his money to control people. He doles out his largesse in small amounts only after being asked either directly or indirectly and he makes it clear that he expects his providing to be acknowledged. He makes sure he retains legal title to everything he buys (i.e. the SUV her bought for my ex) and spends most of his money on stuff that benefits him too (i.e. a new kitchen for his house). He hasn't paid any of the debts my ex is so expert at accumulating. She's totally dependant on him for her lifestyle. If she walks away she'll take nothing from the relationship.

I wasn't nearly as smart. I paid for lots of things she got to keep. I paid for college classes, registered the car I bought her in her name (when she crashed it the insurance company paid her not me), and paid for 37K in plastic surgery.

Creating a situation where a woman is always afraid of losing her lifestyle seems like an effective method of control.