Couples, Gender, and Power - Creating Change in Intimate Relationships (Electronic book text)

Although many contemporary couples claim to strive for equality in their relationships, many are unaware of the hidden ways in which gender and power still affect them and the decisions they make - from their career choices to communication patterns, childrearing, housework, and more. Couples, Gender, and Power addresses this critical issue, as couples continue to find themselves caught in a legacy of unequal interaction that dominates their relationship, despite their best intentions to the contrary - and often without their conscious knowledge. This timely text does the following: Identifies the differences between couples who get caught in gender legacy patterns ldentifies the risks of being in a relationship ruled by "gender legacy" behavior Makes a case for why it is essential for clinicians to address this issue Focuses on cultural implications that often lead toward gender legacy The authors also raise new possibilities for innovative clinical intervention, and suggest strategies therapists can use to help couples transform their relationships from being gender-based to equality-based.