The successful professional woman: on being married to one

Abstract

Feminity and professionalism traditionally have been regarded as incompatible. From their own experience and that of colleagues and patients, the authors argue that female personhood is enriched by professional committment. In consequence, the woman with a career becomes a more stimulating spouse and parent. Problems of role differentiation and of time allocation stress the dual-career marriage, but coping with those stresses enhances personal growth and leads to a more rewarding marital relationship. The authors consider themselves the most fortunate of men.