Mehr makes sense because it is a woman’s security in the event of an untimely or irrational step taken by the man. Assets and inheritance are usually in the man’s name in Islam. So, to make sure the woman is not destitute, Mehr is there. It makes logical sense also because if there are children, she will also have to look after them financially.
Samb, you cannot conduct a mental exam on every divorced man to see if they have lost their marbles. There are men out there who do this and to protect the woman, we have Mehr.
She can be working or she cannot be working, its her choice to make. Regardless of that, if the man loses his mind and gives her a divorce…she gets Mehr. Traditionally, in our societies its harder for a divorced woman to get married then a divorced man. Thats also a sad reality. She needs that money.
If you dont care about Islam’s take on it then Mehr shouldnt be a concern as its an Islamic right of a woman.
Islam gives rights according to roles. You have a responsibility towards your home as a man and so does a woman. The two roles cannot be compared. You come with different plumbing and so do women…the two cannot be compared. You, being a man - on average - still make more then a woman today in the US…the two cannot be compared. Your job is to bring home the bread and hers is to bake it…the two cannot be compared. When you decide to have children, your job will be easy but not hers…the two positively cannot be compared.
Whether a man likes it or not, he gives haq mehr when he divorces. Women also have situations where Allah swt simply commands and does not give women choices. Its for our own good and in the long run makes sense.