ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that far from being an unalloyed stress in dual-career marriage, separation often provides a support for dual-career relationships. Separation can be seen as one of a number of ‘enabling’ processes in family life, processes which facilitate the involvement of family members in the larger society outside the family. The knowledge that separation can perform a supportive function in dual-career couples may facilitate coping with the complex tasks of integrating careers and family life. The kinds of separations frequent in traditional marriage are not just tolerated or accepted, but may in fact facilitate or be necessary for the marital relationship. It is questionable whether any adult can bear total immersion in a relationship, except for very brief periods. Irene Barron had begun to develop an artistic talent at the end of her active career as a mother-homemaker. A remarkable achievement by remarkable people.
