The stress of success : coping strategies of dual-earner couples

Abstract

The main purpose of this dissertation is to explore the type of stress which dual-earner couples are often facing, as well as the strategies they are opting for in order to balance their work and family demands. However, apart from discussing the reality of the dual earner family, this research study focuses also on the sociological implications of this type of family. Qualitative research methodology has been opted for in this research study. Data was collected from 21 families in which both spouses are engaged in paid employment outside the home. Interviews, time diaries and observation were employed in this dissertation. This research study represents an attempt to go beyond traditionalist discourses of dual-earner couples as social units which are burdened with conflicts and tensions. Contrary to the literature which tends to shed a 'dark' light on the dual-earner family, this dissertation concludes that the dual-earner family also has its positive side. Given that they have a double income, working parents are able to purchase consumeristic 'needs' and pursue other leisure activities which would be very hard to follow in a single-earner family. Moreover, in order to make up for the time 'lost' at work, dual-earner couples look forward to organising 'quality' time which they can spend with their family members.