Couples' Career Orientation, Gender Role Orientation, and Perceived Equity as Determinants of Marital Power

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of resource exchanges and of gender role on marital power by comparing dual-career and single-career couples on these variables. On the basis of social exchange theory the 2 types of couples with their differing resource exchange patterns were predicted to differ in marital power. Wives of differing gender role orientations were also predicted to differ in marital power. Results indicated that the 2 types of couples did not differ in perceived power nor in self-reported strategies for influencing spouses. During a conflict task however dual-career partners made significantly more attempts to influence their partners than did single-career partners. The best predictor of influence attempts was found to be the partners influence attempts. While single-career wives perceived themselves as more feminine gender role orientation did not affect marital power. Both types of couples demonstrated an ideology of general equality in marriage although resource exchanges differed by gender rather than by career orientation. Factors unique to each couple were seen as relevant to both resource exchanges and marital power interactions. (authors)