ABSTRACT

Marriage as an equal partnership is the goal of amny couples in the western world today and yet equality is often limited by the ways that power and gender interact in the relationship, leading to dissatisfaction and ultimately the break up of the marriage. In Equal PArtners - Good Friends Claire Rabin examines the connection between inequality in marriage and marital distress. Drawing on extensive research and personal interviews in the UK, USA and Israel, she stresses the role of friendship in establishing a truly equal relationship. Focusing on issues of gender, sex roles and power, she provides a new clinical treatment model for therapists working with couples which is much needed in today's climate of change.

chapter |13 pages

Introduction

A change in perspective

chapter 2|24 pages

The egalitarian alternative.

What is it? Is it worth the effort?

chapter 3|25 pages

Friendship

The basic condition of equal partnership

chapter 4|16 pages

Shared power

The road to mutual empowerment

chapter 6|17 pages

Assessment

chapter 7|16 pages

Types of couples seeking therapy

chapter 9|21 pages

The treatment model

Individual interventions and education about equality

chapter 10|13 pages

Couple Interventions

chapter 11|19 pages

Treatment of the traditional couple: putting the wife in charge 193

Putting the wife in charge

chapter 12|23 pages

Treatment of the transitional couple

Overt and covert power struggles

chapter 13|20 pages

Issues in training and supervision