Sexual Bargaining: Power Politics in the American Marriage / Edition 2

by John Scanzoni

Overview

Is the institution of marriage in America breaking down? Is marriage as we have known it largely irrelevant? Are the forms of marriage changing? Are the changes in women's roles in society related to the breakdown, irrelevance, and formal alteration of marriage?

In this updated edition of his fundamental study of modern marriage, John Scanzoni challenges the widespread assumption that marriage is a dying institution. By analyzing the "reward seeking" which generates conflicts between males and females, he shows that marriage indeed has a future but that its form will continue to change as sex-role equality emerges both within and outside of marriage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226735658
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	04/01/1982
Series:	Historical Studies of Urban America Ser.
Edition description:	2nd ed
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

John Scanzoni is professor of sociology and child development and family relations at the Family Research Center of the University of North Carolina. His many publications include The Black Family in Modern Society: Patterns of Stability and Security, published by the University of Chicago Press.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Phoenix Edition
Introduction
The Plan of the Book
The Theme of the Book
I. The Myth of Marital Disintegration
Dissolution Rates in the United States
Cross-National Comparisons in Divorce Rates
Variations in Dissolution Rates
Conclusion
II. Marriage in the Process of Change
Coercion of the Woman
The Emergence of Male-Female Conflict Groups
Change as an Outcome of Crisis
Conclusion
III. The Motivation to Marry
Divergent Socialization of Males and Females
Love and Reward-Seeking
Decisions Surrounding Marriage
Conclusion
IV. Marital Conflict as a Positive Force
Reciprocity and Exchange in Marriage
Conflict and Stability-Instability
Legitimate Power, Rewards, and the Resolution of Conflict
Reward-Cost Ratio and Marital Stability
Conclusion
V. The Future of Marriage
Alternative Approaches to Family Change
Radical Movements and the Equality of Women
Change in the Future Structure of Marriage
Prospects for Monogamous Marriage
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index