This chapter describes the important differences between dual-career and other
dual-earner couples, single parents, and traditional marriages with a single wage
earner. It will help you understand the positive and negative effects of dual-
career couples on the organizations in which they work and the marital rela-
tionships they maintain.

In this chapter, you will meet some dual-career couples who work in the public
sector. Although their names have been changed for purposes of confidentiality,
they are real people. Some were interviewed specifically for the purpose of this
book. Others responded to a survey of either the members the American Society
for Public Administration (ASPA) or of the International Personnel Management
Association (IPMA). (Details of the questions used in formal interviews are
provided in the appendix at the end of the book, as are descriptions of the surveys
conducted.)

In this chapter, you will learn how dual-career couples manage, and why they
manage. You will read about why people tackle the challenges of a dual-career
marriage and about the rewards and frustrations associated with this lifestyle.

On the one hand, dual-career couples can enjoy economic and social equality
within their marriage. On the other hand, demands of their respective careers
may conflict with marriage and family responsibilities. On the one hand, con-
flicting demands arise that do not occur in families with one breadwinner. On
the other hand, these demands can be more easily addressed because of dual
expertise and dual economic resources.

Although the dual-career approach to marriage flies in the face of convention,
it is a lifestyle embraced by many professional employees. New forms of oc-
cupational stress result from this lifestyle, suggesting that you, as a human
resource manager, need to understand and empathize with these people. If you
are committed to maximizing the contributions of those who work in your or-
ganization, this chapter will enhance your ability to do that.

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