HUSBAND'S MASCULINITY, WIFE'S POWER, AND MARITAL CONFLICT

Abstract

A survey of 104 husbands married and living with a working spouse identified a number of predictors of marital conflict. Non-traditional masculine orientation tended to reduce arguments over the expression of affection. This dimension of masculinity also decreased episodes of insulting/swearing and stomping out of the house by increasing the amount of conversation between husbands and wives. Relative high income for a wife increased marital conflict by decreasing a husband's job and family satisfaction. In contrast, relatively high education in a wife enhanced communication and, thereby, reduced conflict.