NDSU - North Dakota State University



Relationship EqualityImproving the equality in your relationship can also improve relationship satisfactionWhat is Relationship Equality?-539751374775What does relationship equality mean? In an equal relationship, you won’t find one partner being the “dominant one” and the other partner being the “submissive one”. Nor will you find one partner being completely dependant upon the other partner. Each partner will be equally responsible for themselves, and they will also show equal consideration, concern and care for the other partner. In an equal relationship, the two parties are together because they want to be, not because they need to be, because they are dependent on each other, and they will have a mutual respect for each other.How does this impact Relationship Satisfaction?Keys to Achieving Relationship EqualityRespect & UnderstandingShare ExperiencesSolve Problems TogetherCollaborateShare $ ResponsibilitiesEqual Free TimeMany researchers have found that couples who have equal relationships are much more satisfied in their relationships than couples who do not. Couples who demonstrate an equal relationship through shared power, shared decision making, and shared household and child-rearing tasks are generally happier with their partners, have a greater sense of commitment in the relationship, and have better overall functioning within the relationship (Gottman, 1999; Gray-Little et al., 1996; Gray-Little & Burks, 1983; Lange, 1989; Ross, Mirowsky, & Huber, 1983; Steil, 1997; Whisman & Jacobson, 1989; 1990; Zimmerman, 2000).How can this be achieved?6301740382270There are four things that a couple can do to work towards achieving an equal relationship: (1) Understanding each other’s differences is important to equality in a relationship. Showing each other tolerance and respect in the areas where you differ or disagree will make the differences more manageable. Respecting and tolerating each other’s differences can increase intimacy and security for both partners. (2) Be involved in each other’s lives. Do something meaningful together. Shared experience and excitement can help foster equality, empathy, and bring a couple closer together. (3) Solve problems and make decisions together. Make a commitment to each other to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement when differences or conflicts arise. While it is most important that an agreement is decided on, it can also be beneficial to solve the disagreement without yelling or talking negatively to each other, but being understanding and open to each other. (4) Collaborate with your partner. Take turns giving advice, thinking of things to do, and forgive areas of disagreement or strong differences. Also, equally dividing household work will help achieve equality. Strictly following gender norms (men do outside work, women do inside work), can lead to one partner doing more than the other. Share the responsibilities!(5) Deal with the finances together. Many couples disagree at times when it comes to money and finances. Sitting down and making financial decisions together can help each partner feel that they are equally part of the relationship.(6) Allow each partner to have some free time for themselves. Everyone needs to “get away” every once in awhile, so it is important for a couple to discuss this with each other so they get the time they need to unwind, get away from the daily grind, etc.ReferencesGottman, J. M. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.Gray-Little, B., Baucom, D. H., & Hamby, S. L. (1996). Marital power, marital adjustment, and therapy outcome. Journal of Family Psychology, 10(3), 292-303.Gray-Little, B., & Burks, N. (1983). Power and satisfaction in marriage: A review and critique. Lange, S. J. (1989). Satisfaction and commitment in lesbian and heterosexual relationships: The roles of power, nurturance, and trust (Doctoral dissertation, University of Kentucky, 1989). Dissertation Abstracts International, 50(8-B), 3676-3677.Ross, C. E., Mirowsky, J., & Huber, J. (1983). Dividing work, sharing work, and in-between: Marriage patterns and depression. American Sociological Review, 89, 670-682.Steil, J. M. (1997). Marital equality: Its relationship to the well-being of husbands and wives. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.Whisman, M. A., & Jacobson, N. S. (1989). Depression, marital satisfaction, and marital and personality measures of sex roles. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 15(2), 177-186.Whisman, M. A., & Jacobson, N. S. (1990). Power, marital satisfaction, and response to marital therapy. Journal of Family Psychology, 4(2), 202-212.Zimmerman, T. (2000). Marital equality and satisfaction in stay-at-home mother and stay-at-home father families. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 22(3), 337-354. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download